Heavy Particle Induced Ionization Rates for PCA 69.
Abstract
During Operation PCA 69 proton and alpha particle fluxes in the approximate range 2-100 MeV were determined from measurements made on three Black Brant rockets launched at the following universal times: AJ17.602, 2 Nov/2020; AJ17.758, 3 Nov/0605; AJ17.617, 4 Nov/2308. General details of the particle detection system design are given, and the method of deducing the differential spectrum incident on the atmosphere from the measured altitude variation of the integral flux is discussed. Specific ionization rate expressions are derived for heavy particle spectra of the form j(E, alpha) approximately(E to the minus n power) Cos(to the beta power) of alpha and presented in a manner applicable to any atmosphere. When the spectrum is assumed to extend to infinite energy, a simple analytic result is obtained that is applicable to that region of the atmosphere in which the atmospheric depth exceeds the range of the minimum energy particles contained in j(E, alpha). Altitude profiles of proton induced ionization rate are given for the launch time of each of the three rockets. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- AD0760138
Entities
People
- Bach Sellers
- Frederick A. Hanser
- Jean L. Hunerwadel