Eigenfunction Methods in Magnetospheric Radial-Diffusion Theory.
Abstract
Complete sets of orthonormal basis functions constructed according to a generalization of the quantum mechanical WKB approximation can be used to generate a nearly diagonal matrix representation of the radial transport operator for ring current ions in the presence of radial diffusion and charge exchange. The resulting eigenfunctions (constructed by weighting the basis functions in proportion to the respective components of the eigenvectors of the matrix representation) and eigenvalues provide a spatial and temporal description of the evolving phase space density during and following a magnetospheric disturbance (e.g., a magnetic storm). A linear superposition of the basis functions can also be used to eliminate any discrepancy between the steady state solution of the transport equation and the appropriate WKB approximation of this steady state solution. Keywords: Bassel Functions; Radiation Belts; Transport Theory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA175408
Entities
People
- Michael Schulz
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation