New approach to cosmic-ray diffusion theory

Technical Report · Fri Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1973

OSTI ID:4404512

Jones, F C; Kaiser, T B; Birmingham, T J

An approach is presented for deriving a diffusion equation for charged particles in a static, random magnetic field. The approach differs from the usual, quasi-linear one, im that particle orbits in the average field are replaced by particle orbits in a partially averaged field. In this way the fluctuating component of the field significantly modifies the particle orbits in those cases where the orbits in the average field are unrealistic. The method permits the calculation of a finite value for the pitch angle diffusion coefficient for particles with a pitch angle of 90 rather than the divergent or ambiguous results obtained by quasi-linear theories. Results of the approach are compared with results of computer simulations using Monte Carlo techniques. (auth)

• Research Organization: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Greenbelt, Md. (USA). Goddard Space Flight Center
• NSA Number: NSA-29-010878
• OSTI ID: 4404512
• Report Number(s): N--73-25848; NASA-TM-X--66263
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*PRIMARY COSMIC RADIATION-- DIFFUSION
ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION
CHARGED PARTICLES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
N56100* --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Cosmic Radiation
ORBITS