Comparison of magnetospheric magnetic field models with CRRES observations during the August 26, 1990, storm. (Reannouncement with new availability information)

Technical Report · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:200121

Jordan, C E; Bass, J N; Gussenhoven, M S; Singer, H J; Hilmer, R V

Four magnetospheric magnetic field models am compared on the basis of the current systems they represent, their agreement with observations, and their computational performance. These models are the Olson-Pfitzer dynamic, Tsyganenko, Hilmer-Voigt, and Olson-Pfitzer till-dependent. The models are summarized in terms of their components: the main field, the ring currents, the tail currents, and the magnetopause. Differences among the models must be considered when determining which is best for a specific application. The models are evaluated using data from CRRES during both quiet and storm time conditions on August 26, 1990. CRRES is in a geosynchronous transfer orbit with perigee at 360 km and apogee at 33,000 km. Thus, the focus of these comparisons is on the inner magnetosphere out to about 6.3 R sub E (distant tail properties will not be discussed). Tsyganenko is a good average model of the magnetospheric magnetic field for various Kp levels. Olson-Pfitzer dynamic and Hilmer-Voigt both clearly show changes in the magnetic field due to the compression of the magnetopause as determined from the standoff distance. Hilmer-Voigt is the most flexible model as it has a parameter to specify the position of the inner edge of the plasma sheet, but it is also the slowest to execute. Olson-Pfitzer dynamic showed the best agreement with the data presented here.

• Research Organization: Phillips Lab., Hanscom AFB, MA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 200121
• Report Number(s): AD-A--262523/4/XAB; PL-TR--93-2056
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC STORMS
MAGNETOPAUSE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
RING CURRENTS