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Observations of structuring in the downstream region of a large spherical model in a laboratory simulated solar wind plasmaThe effects of inserting a spherical conducting model, large in comparison with the Debye length, into a free streaming high-energy 1 kV) unmagnetized hydrogen plasma are investigated in order to measure energies and compositions directly relevant to solar wind and astrophysical plasma phenomena. Holding the incident plasma parameters constant, transverse profiles of the net Langmuir probe current are plotted at various locations downstream in the model wake and are divided into three regions (the shadow, transition, and boundary). Results attributable to the use of a high-energy plasma show that enhancements in the shadow exist at downstream locations where the Mach ratio is less than one, and turbulence exists in the transition region on the shadow edges and outside in the boundary region. In addition, a small current enhancement is found in the boundary and can be attributed to the plasma/model interaction. It is concluded that many similar features observed by spacecraft downstream from planetary bodies are relatively permanent and are due to the intrinsic nature of the interaction between the solar wind plasma and the obstacle.
Document ID
19820058209
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Intriligator, D. S.
(Southern California, University, Los Angeles; Carmel Research Center Santa Monica, CA, United States)
Steele, G. R.
(Carmel Research Center Santa Monica, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 87
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
82A41744
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-018-181
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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