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Anomalous transport in discrete arcs and simulation of double layers in a model auroral circuit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

Robert A. Smith
Robert A. Smith
Affiliation:
Plasma Physics Division, Science Applications International Corp., 1710 Goodridge Drive, McLean, VA 22102.
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Abstract

The evolution and long-time stability of a double layer in a discrete auroral arc requires that the parallel current in the arc, which may be considered uniform at the source, be diverted within the arc to charge the flanks of the U-shaped double-layer potential structure. A simple model is presented in which this current re-distribution is effected by anomalous transport based on electrosatic lower hybrid waves driven by the flank structure itself. This process provides the limiting constraint on the double-layer potential. The flank charging may be represented as that of a nonlinear transmission line. A simplified model circuit, in which the transmission line is represented by a nonlinear impedance in parallel with a variable resistor, is incorporated in a 1-d simulation model to give the current density at the DL boundaries. Results are presented for the scaling of the DL potential as a function of the width of the arc and the saturation efficiency of the lower hybrid instability mechanism.

Type
Research Article
Information
Laser and Particle Beams , Volume 5 , Issue 2 , May 1987 , pp. 381 - 391
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1987

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