Solutions to bi-Maxwellian transport equations for radial solar wind beyond 28 R(S)

This paper presents solar wind solutions for radial flow between 28 solar radii and 1 AU using the bi-Maxwellian-based 16-moment set of transport equations. In addition to the number density, drift velocity, and parallel and perpendicular temperatures, the 16-moment equations account for the transport of both longitudinal and transverse thermal energies as well as stress. Also, using the 16-moment approximation for the distribution function and assuming plasma parameter values characteristic of the solar wind, contour plots are generated for the proton velocity distribution function. It is shown how the shape of these plots depends on various macroscopic plasma parameters.