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Second-order quasilinear theory of cosmic ray transport

Journal Article · · Physics of Plasmas
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1895805· OSTI ID:20722104
 [1]
  1. Institut fuer Theoretische Physik, Lehrstuhl IV: Weltraum und Astrophysik, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum, D-44780 Bochum (Germany)
The problem of pitch-angle diffusion close to 90 deg. is well known in cosmic ray astrophysics. If the pitch-angle Fokker-Planck coefficient for pure slab geometry is calculated, the quasilinear approximation results in vanishing pitch-angle scattering. For a realistic wave spectrum with a steep dissipation range this vanishing coefficient generates an infinitely large parallel mean free path. It is well known from numerical simulations that the 90 deg. problem is a problem of quasilinear theory and not a problem of reality. In the current paper quasilinear theory is used to calculate corrections of the unperturbed orbit. These corrections can be resubstituted into transport theory to calculate a second-order pitch-angle Fokker-Planck coefficient. The second-order quasilinear theory is an applicable theory which agrees with simulations for pitch-angle diffusion.
OSTI ID:
20722104
Journal Information:
Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 12; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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