A Quasi-Linear Kinetic Equation for Cosmic Rays in the Interplanetary Medium.
Abstract
A kinetic equation for interplanetary cosmic rays is set up with the aid of weak plasma turbulence theory for an idealized radially symmetric model of the interplanetary magnetic field. As a starting point, this treatment invokes the Vlasov equation instead of the traditional Fokker-Planck equation. Quasilinear theory is applied to obtain a momentum diffusion equation, for the heliocentric frame of reference, which describes the interaction of cosmic rays with convecting magnetic irregularities in the solar wind plasma. Under restricted conditions, the well known equation of solar modulation can be obtained from the kinetic equation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 25, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA023849
Entities
People
- J. G. Luhmann
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation