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Accession Number:
ADA056961
Title:
The Behavior of Gridded Spherical and Planar Electron Probes in a Non- Maxwellian Plasma
Corporate Author:
AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MA
Report Date:
1978-03-16
Abstract:
The responses of gridded spherical and planar electrostatic probes to plasmas with kappa type distribution functions are analyzed along lines developed by Mott-Smith and Langmuir. Specifically, consider a case that could be encountered when a satellite is in the outer reaches of the plasma-sphere. Practical rules are developed for calculating the plasmas spectral index K, its mean thermal energy, and density. It is shown that treating the plasma as though it were Maxwellian, can lead to serious overestimates of the mean thermal energy but less serious overestimates of the electron density.
Descriptive Note:
Environmental research papers
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA056961
Pages:
0018
Distribution Statement:
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
File Size:
7.18MB
