A Global Model of Thermospheric Dynamics, I. Wind and Density Fields Derived from a Phenomenological Temperature.
Abstract
The paper describes the mathematical formulation and implementation of a numerical model of the upper atmosphere based on the equations of conservation of mass, momentum and energy in the altitude range 120-500 km. The model is three-dimensional and includes the effects of viscosity, ion drag, the Coriolis force and the nonlinear terms in the equations of motion. The Galerkin method is used as an efficient alternative to finite-difference approaches for the solution of three-dimensional partial differential equations. In the computations discussed here, the upper atmosphere is represented by a single fluid with molecular weight and temperature fields taken from the phenomenological model of Jacchia (1971). The horizontal and vertical wind fields and the density of the thermosphere are discussed, with particular attention to the diurnally averaged wind fields. Comparisons with previous theoretical and observational investigations are made. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0779923
Entities
People
- Barbara K. Ching
- Joe M. Straus
- Richard M. Harris
- Stephen P. Creekmore
- Yam T. Chiu
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation