Engineering topics

Gallagher, D. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Gallagher, D. L..

At least 55 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS2006

Self-Consistent Ring Current Modeling with Propagating Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves in the Presence of Heavy Ions

The self-consistent treatment of the RC ion dynamics and EMlC waves, which are thought to exert important influences on the ion dynamical evolution, is an important missing element in our understanding of the storm-and recovery-time ring current evolution. Under certain conditions, relativistic electrons, with energies greater than or equal to 1 MeV, can be removed from the outer radiation belt by EMlC wave scattering during a magnetic storm (Summers and Thorne, 2003; Albert, 2003). That is why the modeling of EMlC waves is critical and timely issue in magnetospheric physics. This study will generalize the self-consistent theoretical description of RC ions and EMlC waves that has been developed by Khazanov et al. [2002, 2003] and include the heavy ions and propagation effects of EMlC waves in the global dynamic of self-consistent RC - EMlC waves coupling. The results of our newly developed model that will be presented at Huntsville 2006 meeting, focusing mainly on the dynamic of EMlC waves and comparison of these results with the previous global RC modeling studies devoted to EMlC waves formation. We also discuss RC ion precipitations and wave induced thermal electron fluxes into the ionosphere.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Origin and Evolution of Deep Plasmaspheric Notches

Deep plasmaspheric notches can extend over more than 2 R(sub E) in radial distance and 3 hours MLT in the magnetic equatorial plane, as observed by the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imager on the IMAGE mission. They are among the largest evacuated features in the exterior plasmaspheric boundary. They can last for days and exhibit a variety of shapes. It appears that weak convection and limited erosion precedes notch formation at the westward, near-Earth edge of the convection plume. Eighteen clear notch events were found and analyzed in 2000. Among these events, notches were found to drift as slowly as 44% of corotation. In only one case was a notch found to drift at the corotation rate within measurement error. On average, these notches drift at about 21.5 h d(sup -1) or 90% of the corotational rate. Notches sometimes exhibit an interior structure that appears as an extended prominence of dense plasma, which forms a W- or M-like feature in IMAGE/EUV images, depending on viewing perspective. Initial modeling suggests that notches and notch prominences may be caused in part by intense small-scale potential structures that result from the localized injection of ring current plasma. Plasma filling rates during recovery are examined in three L shell ranges from L = 2 to L = 3.5 with rates ranging from 5 to 140 cm(sup -3) d(sup -1). Plasma loss during a minor substorm is found to extend to surprisingly low L shell with rates ranging from 100 to 130 cm(sup -3) d(sup -1) across the L shells examined.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2005

EUV Imaging of SWCX-Produced He(+) 30.4-nm Emission/Scattering at the Magnetosheath

Theoretically, charge exchange between solar wind alpha-particles and geocoronal hydrogen at the magnetosheath results in the production of helium ions in an excited state, i.e, He(2+) + H (right arrow) He(+*) + H(+) resulting in the emission of 30.4-nm radiation upon relaxation of the helium ions. It has been estimated that the magnetosphere was compressed to inside the orbit of IMAGE during the Halloween storm of 2003. This configuration should have placed the subsolar point of the magnetosheath well beyond the limb of the solar disk and allow EUV the potential of imaging this solar wind charge exchange interaction Analysis of EUV full-frame data acquired during 31 October 2003 (Day 304) indicates the detection of 30.4-nm photons in the likely vicinity of the magnetosheath either as a direct consequence of the emission proposed above or, provided the magnetosheath He(+) density was sufficient to exceed the EUV sensitivity threshold, via resonant scattering of solar UV. We present initial analysis of EUV imaging during the Halloween 2003 storm from the context of solar wind parameters, including composition, and from the perspective of the generation of simulated EUV imaging of the event both as an emitting and as a scattering process.

Adrian, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS2005

The Role of the Heavy Ions in the Generation of EMIC Waves

The effect of EMIC waves, generated by a positive ion temperature anisotropy on Earth s RC dynamics is one of the best known examples of wave-particle interaction in the magnetosphere and the most controversial mechanism of RC losses. Under certain conditions, relativistic electrons with energy greater than or equal to 1 MeV can be removed from the outer RB by EMIC wave scattering during a magnetic storm much faster than by any other loss mechanisms. That is why the calculation of EMIC waves are very critical part of the LWS program. Systematic studies of magnetosphere-plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling are needed in order to provide EMIC waves forecast on a global scale and include WPI processes in the RB modeling. To quantify the EMIC wave effects on the RC-ion and RB-electron dynamics, a self-consistent theoretical description of the ions, electrons, and EMIC waves should be employed in future RB studies. This talk will emphasize the role of the heavy ions in the EMIC waves formation on a global scale and their nonlinear coupling with lower hybrid waves.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS2005

New Evidence for Equatorially Trapped Thermal Plasma During Early Post-Storm Recovery

Almost 20 years ago Olsen et al. [1987] reported Dynamics Explorer 1 Retarding Ion Mass Spectrometer observations of equatorially trapped, cold ions in the vicinity of the plasmapause. In that study the trapped population corresponded to a local minimum in density at the magnetic equator. During that time period observations were uncovered of a local maximum in plasma density at the equator. Until IMAGE there has been no good opportunity to experimentally revisit this topic, however until now no direct evidence of a relevant equatorial process has been recognized near the plasmapause during early recovery conditions. It appears that evidence has now been found in both the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager and Radio Plasma Imager observations. The observations, conditions, and properties of what appears to be an equatorially trapped and enhanced density near the magnetic equator will be presented and discussed.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Strong Pitch-Angle Diffusion of Ring Current Ions in Geomagnetic Storm-Associated Conditions

Do electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves cause strong pitch-angle diffusion of RC ions? This question is the primary motivation of this paper and has been affirmatively answered from the theoretical point of view. The materials that are presented in the Results section show clear evidence that strong pitch-angle diffusion takes place in the inner magnetosphere indicating an important role for the wave-particle interaction mechanism in the formation of RC ions and EMIC waves.

Khazanov, G. V.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Introduction to Particle Acceleration in the Cosmos

Accelerated charged particles have been used on Earth since 1930 to explore the very essence of matter, for industrial applications, and for medical treatments. Throughout the universe nature employs a dizzying array of acceleration processes to produce particles spanning twenty orders of magnitude in energy range, while shaping our cosmic environment. Here, we introduce and review the basic physical processes causing particle acceleration, in astrophysical plasmas from geospace to the outer reaches of the cosmos. These processes are chiefly divided into four categories: adiabatic and other forms of non-stochastic acceleration, magnetic energy storage and stochastic acceleration, shock acceleration, and plasma wave and turbulent acceleration. The purpose of this introduction is to set the stage and context for the individual papers comprising this monograph.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Cusp and LLBL as Sources of the Isolated Dayside Auroral Feature During Northward IMF

An intense dayside proton aurora was observed by Imager for Magnetopause-to- Aurora Global Exploration Far Ultra-Violet imager (IMAGE FUV) for an extensive period of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on 17 and 18 September 2000. This aurora partially coincided with the auroral oval and intruded farther poleward into the polar cap, and it showed longitudinal motions in response to IMF By variation. Intense magnetosheath-like electron and ion precipitations have been simultaneously detected by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) above the poleward portion of the high-latitude dayside aurora. They resemble the typical plasmas observed in the low-altitude cusp. However, less intense electrons and more energetic ions were detected over the equatonvard part of the aurora. These plasmas are closer to the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) plasmas. Under strongly northward IMF, global ionospheric convection derived from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radar measurements showed a four-cell pattern with sunward convection in the middle of the dayside polar cap and the dayside aurora corresponded to two different convection cells. This result further supports two source regions for the aurora. The cusp proton aurora is on open magnetic field lines convecting sunward whereas the LLBL proton aurora is on closed field lines convecting antisunward. These IMAGE, DMSP, and SuperDARN observations reveal the structure and dynamics of the aurora and provide strong evidence for magnetic merging occurring at the high-latitude magnetopause poleward from the cusp. This merging process was very likely quasi-stationary.

Chang, S.-W.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Laboratory Experiments on Rotation and Alignment of the Analogs of Interstellar Dust Grains by Radiation

The processes and mechanisms involved in the rotation and alignment of interstellar dust grains have been of great interest in astrophysics ever since the surprising discovery of the polarization of starlight more than half a century ago. Numerous theories, detailed mathematical models, and numerical studies of grain rotation and alignment with respect to the Galactic magnetic field have been presented in the literature. In particular, the subject of grain rotation and alignment by radiative torques has been shown to be of particular interest in recent years. However, despite many investigations, a satisfactory theoretical understanding of the processes involved in subject, we have carried out some unique experiments to illuminate the processes involved in the rotation of dust grains in the interstellar medium. In this paper we present the results of some preliminary laboratory experiments on the rotation of individual micron/submicron-sized, nonspherical dust grains levitated in an electrodynamic balance evacuated to pressures of approximately 10(exp -3) to 10(exp -5) torr. The particles are illuminated by laser light at 5320 A, and the grain rotation rates are obtained by analyzing the low-frequency (approximately 0 - 100 kHz) signal of the scattered light detected by a photodiode detector. The rotation rates are compared with simple theoretical models to retrieve some basic rotational parameters. The results are examined in light of the current theories of alignment.

Abbas, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Cusp and LLBL as Sources of the Isolated Dayside Auroral Feature During Northward IMF

An intense dayside proton aurora was observed by IMAGE FUV for an extensive period of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) on 17 and 18 September, 2000. This aurora partially coincided with the auroral oval and intruded farther poleward into the polar cap, and it showed longitudinal motions in response to IMF $B-y$ variation. Intense magnetosheath-like electron and ion precipitations have been simultaneously detected by DMSP above the poleward portion of the high-latitude dayside aurora. They resemble the typical plasmas observed in the low-altitude cusp. However, less intense electrons and more intense energetic ions were detected over the equatorward part of the aurora. These plasmas are closer to the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) plasmas. Under strongly northward IMF, global ionospheric convection derived from SuperDARN radar measurements showed a 4-cell pattern with sunward convection in the middle of the dayside polar cap and the dayside aurora corresponded to two different convection cells. This result further supports two source regions for the aurora. The cusp proton aurora is on open magnetic field lines convecting sunward whereas the LLBL proton aurora is on closed field lines convecting antisunward. These IMAGE, DMSP and SuperDARN observations reveal the structure and dynamics of the aurora and provide strong evidence for magnetic merging occurring at the high-latitude magnetopause poleward from the cusp. This merging process was very likely quasi-stationary.

Chang, S.↗

NASA NTRS2004

When Earth Songs Filled the Void of Space

What we think about space changed dramatically during the 1950's and early 60's. This story, like perhaps most stones about big changes in how scientists think about nature, involves tribulation, risk talung, and a renewal of the scientific method. What do you think about space, that unimaginably large region between planets and stars? Some of the people, their ideas, and how science often works will be discussed during this presentation.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Space Weather Workshop

This workshop will focus on what space weather is about and its impact on society. An overall picture will be "painted" describing the Sun's influence through the solar wind on the near-Earth space environment, including the aurora, killer electrons at geosynchronous orbit, million ampere electric currents through the ionosphere and along magnetic field lines, and the generation of giga-Watts of natural radio waves. Reference material in the form of Internet sites will be provided so that teachers can discuss space weather in the classroom and enable students to learn more about this topic.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Laboratory Experiments on Rotation and Alignment of the Analogs of Interstellar Dust Grains by Radiation

The processes and mechanisms involved in the rotation and alignment of interstellar dust grains have been of great interest in astrophysics ever since the surprising discovery of the polarization of starlight more than half a century ago. Numerous theories, detailed mathematical models and numerical studies of grain rotation and alignment with respect to the Galactic magnetic field have been presented in the literature. In particular, the subject of grain rotation and alignment by radiative torques has been shown to be of particular interest in recent years. However, despite many investigations, a satisfactory theoretical understanding of the processes involved in grain rotation and alignment has not been achieved. As there appears to be no experimental data available on this subject, we have carried out some unique experiments to illuminate the processes involved in rotation of dust grains in the interstellar medium. In this paper we present the results of some preliminary laboratory experiments on the rotation of individual micron/submicron size nonspherical dust grains levitated in an electrodynamic balance evacuated to pressures of approximately 10(exp -3) to 10(exp -5) torr. The particles are illuminated by laser light at 5320 Angstroms, and the grain rotation rates are obtained by analyzing the low frequency (approximately 0-100 kHz) signal of the scattered light detected by a photodiode detector. The rotation rates are compared with simple theoretical models to retrieve some basic rotational parameters. The results are examined in the light of the current theories of alignment.

Abbas, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Conductance Effects on Inner Magnetospheric Plasma Morphology: Model Comparisons with IMAGE EUV, MENA, and HENA Data

Modeling results of the inner magnetosphere showing the influence of the ionospheric conductance on the inner magnetospheric electric fields during the April 17, 2002 magnetic storm are presented. Kinetic plasma transport code results are analyzed in combination with observations of the inner magnetospheric plasma populations, in particular those from the IMAGE satellite. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons are made with the observations from EW, MENA, and HENA, covering the entire energy range simulated by the model (0 to 300 keV). The electric field description, and in particular the ionospheric conductance, is the only variable between the simulations. Results from the data-model comparisons are discussed, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each conductance choice for each energy channel.

Liemohn, M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Seeing the Invisible with the IMAGE Mission

The Global Positioning System, communication, power transmission, and oil pipelines are only a few of the technologies upon which we depend in research and in everyday life. Each is at risk from invisible storms in near-Earth space. The astrophysical plasmas near our planet store and deliver vast amounts of energy from the Sun in the form of high energy particles, electric currents, and heating of the upper atmosphere. This natural plasma environment is the only one routinely measured in situ over the last 40 years and until recently one of the few we haven't been able to see. Much like atmospheric weather satellites brought global context to that field many decades ago, the IMAGE Mission is now revealing a global context for space weather. The contributions being made by the IMAGE Mission to understanding space weather will be presented along with a brief overview of this dynamic environment. Special emphasis will be placed on research involving the plasmasphere, a toroidal region of relatively dense, cold plasma surrounding the Earth that plays a key role in energy and mass transport through near-Earth space.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Laboratory Experiments on Rotation of Micron Size Cosmic Dust Grains with Radiation

The processes and mechanisms involved in the rotation and alignment of interstellar dust grains have been of great interest in astrophysics ever since the surprising discovery of the polarization of starlight more than half a century ago. Numerous theories, detailed mathematical models and numerical studies of grain rotation and alignment along the Galactic magnetic field have been presented in the literature. In particular, the subject of grain rotation and alignment by radiative torques has been shown to be of particular interest in recent years. However, despite many investigations, a satisfactory theoretical understanding of the processes involved in grain rotation and alignment has not been achieved. As there appears to be no experimental data available on this subject, we have carried out some unique experiments to illuminate the processes involved in rotation of dust grains in the interstellar medium. In this paper we present the results of some preliminary laboratory experiments on the rotation of individual micron/submicron size nonspherical dust grains levitated in an electrodynamic balance evacuated to pressures of approx. 10(exp -3) to 10(exp -5) torr. The particles are illuminated by laser light at 5320 A, and the grain rotation rates are obtained by analyzing the low frequency (approx. 0-100 kHz) signal of the scattered light detected by a photodiode detector. The rotation rates are compared with simple theoretical models to retrieve some basic rotational parameters. The results are examined in the light of the current theories of alignment.

Abbas, M. M.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Unresolved Issues With Inner Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling

Dipolarization and the release of stored magnetic energy is strongly evident in the energized plasma sheet electrons and ions injected earthward from the magnetotail. While some of these plasma are presumed lost into the dayside magnetosheath, much of the energy is dissipated into the ionosphere through electric currents, through collisions into low energy plasma, and into plasma waves, which then go on to heat and energize plasma of the inner magnetosphere. Many mechanisms for the transfer of energy and the consequences to inner magnetospheric plasma populations have been proposed. The sophistication of theoretical models to represent the interdependencies between plasma populations is rapidly increasing. However without the restraint and reality imposed on theory by relevant measurements, the degree to which specific mechanisms participate in the exchange of energy as a function of location and time cannot be known. ORBITALS offers this capability. Some of the outstanding problems in inner magnetospheric physics and the opportunities presented by the ORBITAL concept to solve problems will be discussed.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Radio Sounding Science at High Powers

Future space missions like the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) planned to orbit Callisto, Ganymede, and Europa can fully utilize a variable power radio sounder instrument. Radio sounding at 1 kHz to 10 MHz at medium power levels (10 W to kW) will provide long-range magnetospheric sounding (several Jovian radii) like those first pioneered by the radio plasma imager instrument on IMAGE at low power (less than l0 W) and much shorter distances (less than 5 R(sub E)). A radio sounder orbiting a Jovian icy moon would be able to globally measure time-variable electron densities in the moon ionosphere and the local magnetospheric environment. Near-spacecraft resonance and guided echoes respectively allow measurements of local field magnitude and local field line geometry, perturbed both by direct magnetospheric interactions and by induced components from subsurface oceans. JIMO would allow radio sounding transmissions at much higher powers (approx. 10 kW) making subsurface sounding of the Jovian icy moons possible at frequencies above the ionosphere peak plasma frequency. Subsurface variations in dielectric properties, can be probed for detection of dense and solid-liquid phase boundaries associated with oceans and related structures in overlying ice crusts.

Green, J. L.↗