IONOSPHERIC ELECTRON DENSITY PROFILE MODEL

Abstract

The paper describes a project undertaken by 4th Weather Wing to produce a realistic electron density profile based upon parameters which can be forecast with reasonable accuracy. The ionospheric electron density profile model presented in this paper consists of the sum of three Chapman layers (E, F1, F2). Electron densities in the topside ionosphere are controlled by complex motions rather than a production-loss balance and cannot be successfully described strictly by a Chapman layer. After some experimentation a best fit was obtained by simply using the Chapman equation for the topside ionosphere, but computing the electron densities by using a variable scale height throughout the region. The program described in this report has been used routinely for eight months to predict profiles for radar refraction. This report should be considered interim as improvements in accuracy are sure to be required as the model is evaluated for different purposes.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0709888

Entities

People

  • Franklin R. Hartranft
  • Thomas D. Damon

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Classification
  • Coefficients
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Equations
  • Fire Control Radar
  • Frequency
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Latitude
  • Magnetic Tape
  • Ray Tracing

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics