INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF AERONOMIC COLLISIONS,

A general survey is made of aeronomic collision processes. Particular attention is given to the derivation of energy transfer equations in terms of a suitable collision frequency for energy transfer. It is found that for collisions of electrons with neutral gas particles the most important parameter is the cross section for momentum transfer. Values of this quantity have been obtained for the atmospheric gases and are plotted as a function of electron temperature. An investigation of charge transfer processes has also been made and the cross sections for resonant, accidentally resonant, and non-resonant charge exchange reactions calculated. Throughout all derivations the attempt has been made to indicate the detailed effects of non thermal equilibrium between electrons, ions, and the neutral gases. Author