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Simulation of double layers in a model auroral circuit with nonlinear impedanceA reduced circuit description of the U-shaped potential structure of a discrete auroral arc, consisting of the flank transmission line plus parallel-electric-field region, is used to provide the boundary condition for one-dimensional simulations of the double-layer evolution. The model yields asymptotic scalings of the double-layer potential, as a function of an anomalous transport coefficient alpha and of the perpendicular length scale l(a) of the arc. The arc potential phi(DL) scales approximately linearly with alpha, and for alpha fixed phi (DL) about l(a) to the z power. Using parameters appropriate to the auroral zone acceleration region, potentials of phi (DPL) 10 kV scale to projected ionospheric dimensions of about 1 km, with power flows of the order of magnitude of substorm dissipation rates.
Document ID
19870026476
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Smith, R. A.
(Science Applications International Corp. Plasma Physics Div., McLean, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 13
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
87A13750
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-3947
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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