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Background and Pickup Ion Velocity Distribution Dynamics in Titan's Plasma Environment: 3D Hybrid Simulation and Comparison with CAPS T9 ObservationsIn this report we discuss the ion velocity distribution dynamics from the 3D hybrid simulation. In our model the background, pickup, and ionospheric ions are considered as a particles, whereas the electrons are described as a fluid. Inhomogeneous photoionization, electron-impact ionization and charge exchange are included in our model. We also take into account the collisions between the ions and neutrals. The current simulation shows that mass loading by pickup ions H(+); H2(+), CH4(+) and N2(+) is stronger than in the previous simulations when O+ ions are introduced into the background plasma. In our hybrid simulations we use Chamberlain profiles for the atmospheric components. We also include a simple ionosphere model with average mass M = 28 amu ions that were generated inside the ionosphere. The moon is considered as a weakly conducting body. Special attention will be paid to comparing the simulated pickup ion velocity distribution with CAPS T9 observations. Our simulation shows an asymmetry of the ion density distribution and the magnetic field, including the formation of the Alfve n wing-like structures. The simulation also shows that the ring-like velocity distribution for pickup ions relaxes to a Maxwellian core and a shell-like halo.
Document ID
20110022982
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Lipatov, A. S.
(Maryland Univ. Baltimore County Baltimore, MD, United States)
Sittler, E. C., Jr.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Hartle, R. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Cooper, J. F.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Simpson, D. G.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
May 30, 2011
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 48
Issue: 6
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.JA.5175.2011
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: NASA 900-37-172
OTHER: SMD-10-1517
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA 08-CDAP08-0043
OTHER: NASA 670-90-315
OTHER: SMD-09-1124
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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