A Full-wave Model for Wave Propagation and Dissipation in the Inner Magnetosphere Using the Finite Element Method
A wide variety of plasma waves play an important role in the energization and loss of particles in the inner magnetosphere. Our ability to understand and model wave-particle interactions in this region requires improved knowledge of the spatial distribution and properties of these waves as well as improved understanding of how the waves depend on changes in solar wind forcing and/or geomagnetic activity. To this end, we have developed a two-dimensional, finite element code that solves the full wave equations in global magnetospheric geometry. The code describes three-dimensional wave structure including mode conversion when ULF, EMIC, and whistler waves are launched in a two-dimensional axisymmetric background plasma with general magnetic field topology. We illustrate the capabilities of the code by examining the role of plasmaspheric plumes on magnetosonic wave propagation; mode conversion at the ion-ion and Alfven resonances resulting from external, solar wind compressions; and wave structure and mode conversion of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves launched in the equatorial magnetosphere, which propagate along the magnetic field lines toward the ionosphere. We also discuss advantages of the finite element method for resolving resonant structures, and how the model may be adapted to include nonlocal kinetic effects.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-ACO2-09CH22466
- OSTI ID:
- 1036305
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-4743; TRN: US1201356
- Journal Information:
- 2011 AGU Fall meeting/San Francisco, CA 12/6/11, Conference: 2011 AGU Fall meeting/San Francisco, CA 12/6/11
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CYCLOTRONS
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
GEOMETRY
IONOSPHERE
KINETICS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOACOUSTIC WAVES
MODE CONVERSION
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
PLUMES
SOLAR WIND
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
TOPOLOGY
WAVE EQUATIONS
WAVE PROPAGATION
WHISTLERS
Space Plasma Physics
Mode Coupling
Mode Conversion