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Self-consistent electrostatic potential due to trapped plasma in the magnetosphereA steady state solution for the self-consistent electrostatic potential due to a plasma confined in a magnetic flux tube is considered. A steady state distribution function is constructed for the trapped particles from the constants of the motion, in the absence of waves and collisions. Using Liouville's theorem, the particle density along the geomagnetic field is determined and found to depend on the local magnetic field, self-consistent electric potential, and the equatorial plasma distribution function. A hot anisotropic magnetospheric plasma in steady state is modeled by a bi-Maxwellian at the equator. The self-consistent electric potential along the magnetic field is calculated assuming quasineutrality, and the potential drop is found to be approximately equal to the average kinetic energy of the equatorially trapped plasma. The potential is compared with that obtained by Alfven and Faelthammar (1963).
Document ID
19930067209
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Miller, Ronald H.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Khazanov, George V.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
July 9, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 20
Issue: 13
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
93A51206
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1619
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-11440
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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