Engineering topics

Lopez, R. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Lopez, R. E..

40 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS1986

Solar wind proton temperature-velocity relationship

Helios 1 data are analyzed to find an experimental fit for the temperature-velocity relationship at 1 AU. It is shown that the proton temperature-velocity changes at a velocity of approximately 500 km/s. Interplanetary dynamic processes, i.e., stream interactions, are shown to affect the temperature-velocity relationships less than 22 percent; the functional form of these relationships appears to be preserved throughout the solar cycle. It is pointed out that any comprehensive model of the solar wind will have to address the difference in the temperature-velocity relationship between the low- and high-speed wind, since this is a product of the acceleration and subsequent heating process generating the solar wind.

Lopez, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The response of energetic particles to nightside magnetic pulsations as seen by AMPTE/CCE

This paper reports the response of energetic ions during two types of magnetic oscillations: an azimuthal fluctuation and a radial fluctuation, both with periods in the Pc4-Pc5 range. The azimuthal oscillations occur on April 30, 1985 from 0950 to 1210 UT at 8.7 to 7.0 R(E) and from 1.5 to 2.8 MLT. The radial oscillations occur on April 26, 1985 from 1200 to 1400 UT at 8.7 to 7.5 R(E) and from 2.2 to 3.0 MLT. In this case the particles show in phase periodic flux variations in sectors with radial gradients in the flux. These particle fluctuations represent two distinct modulations, each associated with a basic mode of magnetic oscillation in the near-earth magnetotail.

Lopez, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1985

The cold solar wind

From 3 to 10 percent of the time, the solar wind has a radial proton temperature between 15,000 K and 3500 K (the lowest recorded temperature). This 'cold' component shows some very important features that make it worthy of special study. It shows a temperature dependence on helicentric distance that is nearly adiabatic. When extrapolated back to 3 R(s), assuming adiabatic cooling, the resulting temperature for this cold component is in good agreement with coronal temperatures near the sonic point. Most importantly, the proton velocities and densities associated with this cold component match those predicted by solar wind models that do not incorporate significant wave heating. It is concluded that this is one solar wind component that fits well with appropriate models.

Freeman, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Argon ion pollution of the magnetosphere

Construction of a Solar Power Satellite (SPS) would require the injection of large quantities of propellant to transport material from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to the construction site at Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). This injection, in the form of approx 10 to the 32nd power, 2 KeV argon ions (and associated electrons) per SPS, is comparable to the content of the plasmasphere (approx 10 to the 31st power ions). In addition to the mass deposited, this represents a considerable injection of energy. The injection is examined in terms of a simple model for the expansion of the beam plasma. General features of the subsequent magnetospheric convection of the argon are also examined.

Lopez, R. E.↗