Radial Diffusion of Ionized Helium and Protons: A Probe for Magnetospheric Dynamics.
Abstract
The comparison of radial diffusion of magnetospheric helium ions and protons is a sensitive test of the diffusion process assumed (magnetic or electrostatic fluctuations) and thus valuable as a probe of magnetospheric dynamics for protons, electrons, and heavy ions, as well as for the helium ions themselves. In the paper, radial profiles of ionized helium flux and protons were calculated, taking into account certain physical effects ignored in previous treatments. These include: (1) charge exchange processes (He(++) yields He(+) yields He or He(++)) which provide a loss mechanism as well as a way of converting solar wind alpha particles to He(+); (2) contribution of fluctuating electrostatic fields to the radial diffusion coefficient. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0750861
Entities
People
- John Cornwall
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation