he electron velocity distribution function in the solar wind has often been described as the superposition of an isotropic core, a moderately energetic and slightly anisotropic halo and a high energy field aligned beam. The relative weight of these components depends on the characteristics of the solar wind streams (fast and slow) and on the heliocentric distance. We present kinetic simulations using the model given in [1] to study the effects of electron-electron and electron-proton collisions on the electron velocity distribution function in the interplanetary space beyond ∼0.3 AU from the Sun. We show that collisions do naturally generate a two population electron velocity distribution with an isotropic and cold "core" and a hot and collimated "halo." The temperature profiles and temperature anisotropies observed in our simulations are consistent with spacecraft observations [2, 3, 4]. Since waves are not included in our simulations we suggest that Coulomb collisions are an essential ingredient which should be included in any model of the evolution of the electron velocity distribution function in interplanetary space. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.

Radial Evolution of the Electron Velocity Distribution Functions in the Heliosphere: Role of Collisions / S. Landi; L. Matteini; F. Pantellini. - STAMPA. - 1216:(2010), pp. 218-222. (Intervento presentato al convegno Twelfth International Solar Wind Conference tenutosi a Saint-Malo, France nel 21-26 giugno 2009) [10.1063/1.3395841].

Radial Evolution of the Electron Velocity Distribution Functions in the Heliosphere: Role of Collisions

LANDI, SIMONE;
2010

Abstract

he electron velocity distribution function in the solar wind has often been described as the superposition of an isotropic core, a moderately energetic and slightly anisotropic halo and a high energy field aligned beam. The relative weight of these components depends on the characteristics of the solar wind streams (fast and slow) and on the heliocentric distance. We present kinetic simulations using the model given in [1] to study the effects of electron-electron and electron-proton collisions on the electron velocity distribution function in the interplanetary space beyond ∼0.3 AU from the Sun. We show that collisions do naturally generate a two population electron velocity distribution with an isotropic and cold "core" and a hot and collimated "halo." The temperature profiles and temperature anisotropies observed in our simulations are consistent with spacecraft observations [2, 3, 4]. Since waves are not included in our simulations we suggest that Coulomb collisions are an essential ingredient which should be included in any model of the evolution of the electron velocity distribution function in interplanetary space. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.
2010
9780735407596
12th International Solar Wind Conference; Saint-Malo; France; 21 June 2009 through 26 June 2009
218
222
S. Landi; L. Matteini; F. Pantellini
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/384711
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