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A quasi-linear kinetic equation for cosmic rays in the interplanetary medium

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
A kinetic equation for interplanetary cosmic rays is set up with the aid of weak plasma turbulence theory for an idealized radially symmetric model of the interplanetary magnetic field. As a starting point this treatment invokes the Vlasov equation instead of the traditional Fokker-Planck equation. Quasi-linear theory is applied to obtain a momentum diffusion equation for the heliocentric frame of reference which describes the interaction of cosmic rays with convecting magnetic irregularities in the solar wind plasma. Under restricted conditions the well-known equation of solar modulation can be obtained from this kinetic equation. (AIP)
Research Organization:
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
OSTI ID:
7270200
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:13; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English