scholarly journals On heating of solar wind protons by the breaking of large amplitude Alfvén waves

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horia Comişel ◽  
Yasuhiro Nariyuki ◽  
Yasuhito Narita ◽  
Uwe Motschmann
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Plasma Heating ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Parametric Decay ◽  
Angle Scattering ◽  
Velocity Distribution Functions

Abstract. By means of hybrid simulations, we present a study on plasma heating by the field-aligned parametric decay of a monochromatic left-handed polarized Alfven wave. Simultaneous multidimensional comparisons of the wave modes and proton kinetics suggest that parametric decay of Alfven waves and pitch angle scattering of solar wind protons are interrelated. Parametric decay mechanism yields counter-propagating Alfven waves that can shape and broaden via pitch angle scattering mechanism both the sunward and antisunward sides of the proton velocity distribution functions in agreement with in situ measurements of fast stream solar wind plasmas.

scholarly journals Parametric instability, inverse cascade and the  range of solar-wind turbulence

2018 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin D. G. Chandran
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Nonlinear Evolution ◽  
Parametric Instability ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Turbulence Theory ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Fast Solar Wind ◽  
Parametric Decay ◽  
Inverse Cascade

In this paper, weak-turbulence theory is used to investigate the nonlinear evolution of the parametric instability in three-dimensional low-$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ plasmas at wavelengths much greater than the ion inertial length under the assumption that slow magnetosonic waves are strongly damped. It is shown analytically that the parametric instability leads to an inverse cascade of Alfvén wave quanta, and several exact solutions to the wave kinetic equations are presented. The main results of the paper concern the parametric decay of Alfvén waves that initially satisfy $e^{+}\gg e^{-}$, where $e^{+}$ and $e^{-}$ are the frequency ($f$) spectra of Alfvén waves propagating in opposite directions along the magnetic field lines. If $e^{+}$ initially has a peak frequency $f_{0}$ (at which $fe^{+}$ is maximized) and an ‘infrared’ scaling $f^{p}$ at smaller $f$ with $-1<p<1$, then $e^{+}$ acquires an $f^{-1}$ scaling throughout a range of frequencies that spreads out in both directions from $f_{0}$. At the same time, $e^{-}$ acquires an $f^{-2}$ scaling within this same frequency range. If the plasma parameters and infrared $e^{+}$ spectrum are chosen to match conditions in the fast solar wind at a heliocentric distance of 0.3 astronomical units (AU), then the nonlinear evolution of the parametric instability leads to an $e^{+}$ spectrum that matches fast-wind measurements from the Helios spacecraft at 0.3 AU, including the observed $f^{-1}$ scaling at $f\gtrsim 3\times 10^{-4}~\text{Hz}$. The results of this paper suggest that the $f^{-1}$ spectrum seen by Helios in the fast solar wind at $f\gtrsim 3\times 10^{-4}~\text{Hz}$ is produced in situ by parametric decay and that the $f^{-1}$ range of $e^{+}$ extends over an increasingly narrow range of frequencies as $r$ decreases below 0.3 AU. This prediction will be tested by measurements from the Parker Solar Probe.

scholarly journals Observations of polar patches generated by solar wind Alfvén wave coupling to the dayside magnetosphere

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 463-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Prikryl ◽  
J. W. MacDougall ◽  
I. F. Grant ◽  
D. P. Steele ◽  
G. J. Sofko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Convection Cell ◽  
Convection Flow ◽  
Vhf Radar ◽  
Sky Imager ◽  
The Imf

Abstract. A long series of polar patches was observed by ionosondes and an all-sky imager during a disturbed period (Kp = 7- and IMF Bz < 0). The ionosondes measured electron densities of up to 9 × 1011 m-3 in the patch center, an increase above the density minimum between patches by a factor of \\sim4.5. Bands of F-region irregularities generated at the equatorward edge of the patches were tracked by HF radars. The backscatter bands were swept northward and eastward across the polar cap in a fan-like formation as the afternoon convection cell expanded due to the IMF By > 0. Near the north magnetic pole, an all-sky imager observed the 630-nm emission patches of a distinctly band-like shape drifting northeastward to eastward. The 630-nm emission patches were associated with the density patches and backscatter bands. The patches originated in, or near, the cusp footprint where they were formed by convection bursts (flow channel events, FCEs) structuring the solar EUV-produced photoionization and the particle-produced auroral/cusp ionization by segmenting it into elongated patches. Just equatorward of the cusp footprint Pc5 field line resonances (FLRs) were observed by magnetometers, riometers and VHF/HF radars. The AC electric field associated with the FLRs resulted in a poleward-progressing zonal flow pattern and backscatter bands. The VHF radar Doppler spectra indicated the presence of steep electron density gradients which, through the gradient drift instability, can lead to the generation of the ionospheric irregularities found in patches. The FLRs and FCEs were associated with poleward-progressing DPY currents (Hall currents modulated by the IMF By) and riometer absorption enhancements. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the VHF backscatter and associated riometer absorptions closely resembled those of poleward moving auroral forms (PMAFs). In the solar wind, IMP 8 observed large amplitude Alfvén waves that were correlated with Pc5 pulsations observed by the ground magnetometers, riometers and radars. It is concluded that the FLRs and FCEs that produced patches were driven by solar wind Alfvén waves coupling to the dayside magnetosphere. During a period of southward IMF the dawn-dusk electric field associated with the Alfvén waves modulated the subsolar magnetic reconnection into pulses that resulted in convection flow bursts mapping to the ionospheric footprint of the cusp.Key words. Ionosphere (polar ionosphere). Magneto- spheric physics (magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions; polar wind-magnetosphere interactions).

Subgrid modelling of ion pitch-angle scattering for magnetosheath waves in a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxime Dubart ◽  
Urs Ganse ◽  
Adnane Osmane ◽  
Andreas Johlander ◽  
Markus Battarbee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Space Physics ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Cyclotron Instability ◽  
Angle Scattering ◽  
Velocity Distribution Functions ◽  
Proton Cyclotron

&lt;p&gt;Numerical simulations are widely used in modern space physics and are an essential tool to understand or discover new phenomena which cannot be observed using spacecraft measurements. However, numerical simulations are limited by the space grid resolution of the system and the computational costs of having a high spatial resolution. Therefore, some physics may be unresolved in part of the system due to its low spatial resolution. We have previously identified, using Vlasiator, that the proton cyclotron instability is not resolved for grid cell sizes larger than four times the inertial length in the solar wind, for waves in the downstream of the quasi-perpendicular shock in the magnetosheath of a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation. This leads to unphysically high perpendicular temperature and a dominance of the mirror mode waves. In this study, we use high-resolution simulations to measure and quantify how the proton cyclotron instability diffuses and isotropizes the velocity distribution functions. We investigate the process of pitch-angle scattering during the development of the instability and propose a method for the sub-grid modelling of the diffusion process of the instability at low resolution. This allows us to model the isotropization of the velocity distribution functions and to reduce the temperature anisotropy in the plasma while saving computational resources.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Solar wind and kinetic heliophysics

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1607-1630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eckart Marsch
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Interplanetary Space ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Heavy Ion ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Slow Solar Wind ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Collisionless Dissipation

Abstract. This paper reviews recent aspects of solar wind physics and elucidates the role Alfvén waves play in solar wind acceleration and turbulence, which prevail in the low corona and inner heliosphere. Our understanding of the solar wind has made considerable progress based on remote sensing, in situ measurements, kinetic simulation and fluid modeling. Further insights are expected from such missions as the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. The sources of the solar wind have been identified in the chromospheric network, transition region and corona of the Sun. Alfvén waves excited by reconnection in the network contribute to the driving of turbulence and plasma flows in funnels and coronal holes. The dynamic solar magnetic field causes solar wind variations over the solar cycle. Fast and slow solar wind streams, as well as transient coronal mass ejections, are generated by the Sun's magnetic activity. Magnetohydrodynamic turbulence originates at the Sun and evolves into interplanetary space. The major Alfvén waves and minor magnetosonic waves, with an admixture of pressure-balanced structures at various scales, constitute heliophysical turbulence. Its spectra evolve radially and develop anisotropies. Numerical simulations of turbulence spectra have reproduced key observational features. Collisionless dissipation of fluctuations remains a subject of intense research. Detailed measurements of particle velocity distributions have revealed non-Maxwellian electrons, strongly anisotropic protons and heavy ion beams. Besides macroscopic forces in the heliosphere, local wave–particle interactions shape the distribution functions. They can be described by the Boltzmann–Vlasov equation including collisions and waves. Kinetic simulations permit us to better understand the combined evolution of particles and waves in the heliosphere.

The transformation of magnetoacoustic waves into Alfvén waves inside the magnetosphere

1994 ◽  
Vol 12 (10/11) ◽  
pp. 1022-1026 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Kozlovsky ◽  
V. V. Safargaleev ◽  
W. B. Lyatsky
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Plasma Sheet ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Magnetoacoustic Wave ◽  
Magnetoacoustic Waves

Abstract. A mechanism for the transformation of a magnetoacoustic wave into an Alfvén wave is proposed. During the compression of the magnetosphere by the solar wind the inner edge of the plasma sheet and the contours of B=const move in different ways. In the case of asymmetrical compression, the contours of B=const will cross the inner edge of the plasma sheet. To close the drift currents - that flow in the plasma sheet along the contours of B=const - the appearance of the field-aligned currents is necessary. This appearance corresponds to the generation of the Alfvén wave.

scholarly journals Evolution of Alfvén wave-driven solar winds to red giants

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S247) ◽  
pp. 201-207
Author(s):  
Takeru K. Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Mode Conversion ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Stellar Winds ◽  
Red Giants ◽  
Giant Stars ◽  
Solar Winds ◽  
Red Giant

AbstractIn this talk we introduce our recent results of global 1D MHD simulations for the acceleration of solar and stellar winds. We impose transverse photospheric motions corresponding to the granulations, which generate outgoing Alfvén waves. The Alfvén waves effectively dissipate by 3-wave coupling and direct mode conversion to compressive waves in density-stratified atmosphere. We show that the coronal heating and the solar wind acceleration in the open magnetic field regions are natural consequence of the footpoint fluctuations of the magnetic fields at the surface (photosphere). We also discuss winds from red giant stars driven by Alfvén waves, focusing on different aspects from the solar wind. We show that red giants wind are highly structured with intermittent magnetized hot bubbles embedded in cool chromospheric material.

scholarly journals Solar Wind and Kinetic Heliophysics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eckart Marsch
Keyword(s):  
Solar Wind ◽  
Interplanetary Space ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Heavy Ion ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Slow Solar Wind ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Collisionless Dissipation

Abstract. This lecture reviews recent aspects of solar wind physics and elucidates the role Alfvén waves play in solar wind acceleration and turbulence, which prevail in the low corona and inner heliosphere. Our understanding of the solar wind has made considerable progress based on remote sensing, in-situ measurements, kinetic simulation and fluid modeling. Further insights are expected from such missions as the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. The sources of the solar wind have been identified in the chromospheric network, Transition region and corona of the sun. Alfvén waves excited by reconnection in the network contribute to the driving of turbulence and plasma flows in funnels and coronal holes. The dynamic solar magnetic field causes solar wind variations over the solar cycle. Fast and slow solar wind streams, as well as transient coronal mass ejections are generated by the sun’s magnetic activity. Magnetohydrodynamic turbulence originates at the sun and evolves into interplanetary space. The major Alfvén waves and minor magnetosonic waves, with an admixture of pressurebalanced structures at various scales, constitute heliophysical turbulence. Its spectra evolve radially and develop anisotropies. Numerical simulations of turbulence spectra have reproduced key observational features. Collisionless dissipation of fluctuations remains a subject of intense research. Detailed measurements of particle velocity distributions have revealed non-maxwellian electrons, strongly anisotropic protons and heavy ion beams. Besides macroscopic forces in the heliosphere local wave-particle interactions shape the distribution functions. They can be described by the Boltzmann–Vlasov equation including collisions and waves. Kinetic simulations permit us to better understand the combined evolution of particles and waves in the heliosphere.

Ion pitch-angle scattering by Alfvén waves

1997 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 4103-4117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Li ◽  
Peter H. Yoon ◽  
C. S. Wu ◽  
A. T. Weatherwax ◽  
J. K. Chao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Angle Scattering

Alfvén-wave heating in resistive MHD

1989 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefaan Poedts ◽  
Wolfgang Kerner ◽  
Marcel Goossens
Keyword(s):  
Stationary State ◽  
Plasma Heating ◽  
Resonant Absorption ◽  
Energy Dissipation Rate ◽  
Alfven Waves ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Numerical Code ◽  
Alfvén Waves ◽  
Element Discretization ◽  
Equilibrium Profiles

Resonant absorption of Alfvén waves in tokamak plasmas is studied numerically using the linearized equations of resistive magnetohydrodynamics. A numerical code based on a finite-element discretization is used for determining the stationary state of a cylindrical plasma column that is excited by an external periodic driver. The energy dissipation rate in the stationary state is calculated and the dependence of the plasma heating on electrical resistivity, the equilibrium profiles, and the wavenumbers and frequency of the external driver is investigated. Resonant absorption is extremely efficient when the plasma is excited with a frequency near that of a so-called ‘collective mode’. The heating of a plasma by driving it at the frequencies of discrete Alfvén waves is also investigated.

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