Engineering topics

Carpenter, D. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Carpenter, D. L..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1999

The Plasmasphere as "Seen" by the IMAGE Mission

The Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) is the first mission designed exclusively to remotely measure the magnetosphere. As such, it will reveal the ring current, plasmasphere, polar cusp, and magnetopause as whole extended, interacting systems. For the first time, our impressions of the global magnetosphere, synthesized through many years of whistler and in situ measurement, will be replaced by images. The overall morphology of each system of plasma and the correspondence of changes between them in response to the sun and solar wind will become available. The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUV) and the Radio Plasma Imager (RPI) are the two IMAGE instruments which will remotely measure and image the plasmasphere. What we expect to "see" from these instruments and how it may be interpreted is the subject of this presentation. The EUV instrument includes three optical cameras, with an almost 90 degree field of view, transverse to the spin axis. EUV is designed to see He+ ions in resonantly scatter solar light at 30.4rim. The IMAGE spacecraft will spin with a period of about 2 minutes, with its spin axis parallel to the orbit normal. The IMAGE orbit will be highly inclined, with a high latitude apogee at a geocentric distance of 8RE and perigee of about 1.2RE. The normal observing integration time of 10 minutes will easily see to the outer edge of the plasmasphere. The RPI instrument makes use of three orthoganal dipole antennas: two in the spin plane with a tip-to-tip length of 500m and one along the spin axis with a length of 20 meters. Using coded pulse transmissions, the RPI instrument will broadcast from 3kHz to 3MHz. With one minute resolution, plasma densities from about 0.1 cm(exp -3) to 100,000 cm(exp -3), along with line-of-sight bulk velocities and locations, will be obtained from all returned radio wave signals. When transmitting from the high latitude magnetospheric cavity, RPI will measure density profiles for the major plasma structures in the magnetosphere, including the magnetopause, polar cusp, and plasmasphere. RPI should also see isolated density irregularities and possibly the plasma sheet. Observations The EUV instrument will return line-of-sight integrated images through the optically thin helium medium of the plasmasphere and magnetosphere. A variety of techniques have been suggested for the translation of the images into physically useful data, such as plasmapause location and three dimensional density distribution. The RPI instrument will return quantitative density values and line-of-sight velocity as a function of position along reflecting wave propagation paths. How they may be used individually and together to study plasmaspheric dynamics and global structure will be discussed. Attention will also be given to the data products and how access to IMAGE data will be provided by the IMAGE team and the NSSDC.

Gallagher, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Notes on the diversity of the properties of radio bursts observed on the nightside of Venus

We report on further studies of radio wave bursts detected by the Orbiting Electric Field Detector (OEFD) on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter (PVO) in the nightside ionosphere of Venus. We have tested a total of 25 cases of wave burst activity for evidence of whistler-mode propagation to the spacecraft from impulsive subionospheric sources. As in a previous study of 11 of these cases (Sonwalkar et al., 1991) we find at least two distinct classes of events, one, mostly involving bursts at 100 Hz only, that passes certain tests for whistler-mode propagation, and another, mostly involving bursts in two or more of the four PVO narrowband channels (at 100 Hz, 730 Hz, 5.4 kHz, and 30 kHz), that fails to pass the tests. The subionospheric lightning hypothesis continues to be tenable as a candidate explanation for many of the 100 Hz-only events, but its number of 100 Hz-only cases that do no pass all the applicable whistler-mode tests, as well as the existence at a wide range of altitudes of multichannel cases that are clearly not propagating whistler-mode waves. The wideband bursts are often observed at altitudes above 1000 km and frequently occur in regions of locally reduced electron density. Those observed at high altitude (and possibly low altitude as well) are believed to be generated near the spacecraft, possibly by an as yet unknown mechanism responsible for similar burst observations made near Earth and other planets.

Sonwalkar, Vikas S.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Plasmasphere dynamics in the duskside bulge region: A new look at old topic

Data acquired during several multiday periods in 1982 at ground stations Siple, Halley, and Kerguelen and on satellites Dynamics Explorer 1, International Sun Earth Explorer 1, and GEOS 2 have been used to investigate thermal plasma structure and dynamics in the duskside plasmasphere bulge region of the Earth. The distribution of thermal plasma in the dusk bulge sector is difficult to describe realistically, in part because of the time integral manner in which the thermal plasma distribution depends upon on the effects of bulk cross-B flow and interchange plasma flows along B. While relatively simple MHD models can be useful for qualitatively predicting certain effects of enhanced convection on a quiet plasmasphere, such as an initial sunward entrainment of the outer regions, they are of limited value in predicting the duskside thermal plasma structures that are observed. Furthermore, use of such models can be misleading if one fails to realize that they do not address the question of the formation of the steep plasmapause profile or provide for a possible role of instabilities or other irreversible processes in plasmapause formation. Our specific findings, which are based both upon the present case studies and upon earlier work, include the following: (1) during active periods the plasmasphere appears to become divided into two entities, a main plasmasphere and a duskside bulge region. (2) in the aftermath of an increase in convection activity, the main plasmasphere tends (from a statistical point of view) to become roughly circular in equatorial cross section, with only a slight bulge at dusk; (3) the abrupt westward edge of the duskside bulge observed from whistlers represents a state in the evolution of sunward extending streamers; (4) in the aftermath of a weak magnetic storm, 10 to 30% of the plasma 'removed' from the outer plasmasphere appears to remain in the afternoon-dusk sector beyond the main plasmasphere. (5) outlying dense plasma structures may circulate in the outer duskside magetosphere for many days following an increase in convection, unless there is extremely deep quieting; (6) a day-night plasmatrough boundary may be identified in equatorial satellite data; (7) factor-of-2-to-10 density irregularities appear near the plasmatrough from the ionosphere at L = 4.6, predominantly bidirectional field aligned and equatorially trapped light ion pitch angle distributions give away to a predominantly isotropic distribution (as seen by DE 1) when the plasma density reaches a level a factor of about 3 below the satured plasmasphere level; (9) some outlying dense plasma structures are effectively detached from the main plasmasphere, while others appear to be connected to that body.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A DE-1/whistler study of the thermal plasma structure and dynamics in the dusk bulge sector of the magnetosphere

The objective of this research was to obtain new understanding of the thermal plasma structure and dynamics of the plasmasphere bulge region of the magnetosphere, with special emphasis on the erosion process that results in a reduction in plasmasphere size and on the manner in which erosion leads to the presence of patches of dense plasma in the middle and outer afternoon-dusk magnetosphere. Case studies involving data from the DE 1, GEOS 2, and ISEE 1 satellites and from ground whistler stations Siple, Halley, and Kerguelen were used. A copy of the published paper entitled 'A case study of plasma structure in the dusk sector associated with enhanced magnetospheric convection,' is included.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

An ISEE/Whistler model of equatorial electron density in the magnetosphere

Attention is given to an empirical model of equatorial electron density in the magnetosphere covering the L range 2.25-8. Although the model is primarily intended for application to the local time interval 00-15 MLT, a way to extend the model to the 15-24-MLT period is presented. The model describes, in piecewise fashion, the 'saturated' plasmasphere, the region of steep plasmapause gradients, and the plasma trough. Within the plasmasphere the model profile can be expressed as logne - Sigma-xi, where x1 = -0.3145L + 3.9043 is the principal or 'reference' term, and additional terms account for: a solar cycle variation with a peak at solar maximum; an annual variation with a December maximum; and a semiannual variation with equinoctial maxima.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A case study of plasma structure in the dusk sector associated with enhanced magnetospheric convection

Consideration is given to a case study based on a combination of ground whistler and satellite measurements of thermal plasma density which provides additional evidence that the abrupt western edge of the bulge region of the magnetosphere, reported earlier from whistlers, is a real phenomenon. The present data and previous MHD modeling work suggest that this distinctive feature develops during periods of steady or declining substorm activity, when dense plasma previously carried sunward under the influence of enhanced convection activity begins to rotate with the earth at angular velocities that decrease with increasing L value and becomes spirallike in form. Whistler data are used to identify a narrow dense plasma feature, separated from the main plasmasphere and extending sunward into the late afternoon sector at L values near the outer observed limits of the main plasmasphere and extending sunward into the edge of the main bulge, found by both whistler stations to be at about 1800 MLT, appeared to be quasi-stationary in sun-earth coordinates during the prevailing conditions of gradually declining geomagnetic agitation.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

An investigation of mechanisms other than lightning to explain certain wideband plasma wave bursts detected in the Venusian nightside ionosphere

Several related topics are briefly discussed. Reviewed here is work on an investigation of plasma wave phenomena associated with the question of lightning on Venus. The work supported the contention that lightning is at least a candidate explanation for many of the 100 Hz-only Pioneer Venus orbital electric field detector (OEFD) signals. A review of the work on the investigation of mechanisms other than lightning to explain certain wideband plasma wave bursts detected in the Venusian nightside ionosphere is given. A summary is given of our analysis of data from 23 OEFD observing periods as well as a discussion of the properties of specifically multifrequency events. Our opportunity to work on this topic was not sufficient to draw any firm conclusions about the origins of the multifrequency bursts, but we call attention to what we consider to be several candidate sources. Also discussed are case studies to test for evidence of whistler mode propagation from subionospheric sources, results of a search for dispersive effects in the OEFD data, the results for a search for simultaneous 100 Hz and 730 Hz observations at altitudes below 150 km, changes with altitude in dispersive broadening effects in the time signatures of 100 Hz bursts, and a survey of activity at altitudes above 1000 km.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Testing radio bursts observed on the nightside of Venus for evidence of whistler mode propagation from lightning

Results are presented from a series of tests of radio bursts on the nightside of Venus (observed by an orbiting electric field detector on board the Pioneer Venus Orbiter), which were conducted as a search for the evidence of whistler mode propagation from lightning. Preliminary results suggest that there are at least two main categories of bursts: one that exhibits one or more properties consistent with whistler mode propagation from subionospheric lightning sources, and another that is not.

Sonwalkar, Vikas S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Testing for lightning as a source of radio bursts observed on the nightside of Venus

In certain previous studies of radio burst events recorded by the Pioneer Venus Orbiting Electric Field Detector (OEFD), data were sorted for statistical purposes according to occurrence at filter band frequencies smaller than or greater than typical values of the ambient electron gyrofrequency. The expectation in making this distinction was that the lowest frequency signals, at 100 Hz, were candidates for propagation through the ionosphere to the spacecraft in the whistler mode, and that the higher frequency signals, if of subionospheric origin, would require some different ionospheric penetration mechanism. On the basis of certain assumptions about the homogeneity and horizontal stratification of the Venusian nightside ionosphere, methods were developed for case-by-case testing of the hypothesis that any particular burst event originated in subionospheric lightning. The tests, which are capable of refinement, allow prediction of the resonance cone angle, refractive index, wave dispersion, and wave polarization. The tests have been applied to data from 11 periods along 7 orbits, and are believed to represent an improved way of categorizing OEFD burst data for purposes of investigating source/propagation mechanisms. Four of the five burst events that were not found consistent with the lightning hypothesis involved receptions at multiple OEFD filter band frequencies.

Sonwalkar, Vikas S.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Gyroresonant wave-particle interactions in a dynamic magnetosphere

The response of the interaction mechanism to time-dependent perturbations in the magnetic field was examined using the global field compressions that occur during sudden commencements. This study was performed to assess the effect of nonequilibrium or dynamic magnetospheric processes on wave-particle interactions (WPI). It is shown that current theories of gyroresonant WPI, when modified to include a time-dependent magnetic field, can be used to predict the properties of WPI in a dynamic magnetospheric environment.

Gail, W. B.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Transient tropospheric electric fields resulting from sudden changes in ionospheric conductivity

Electric field mapping in the earth's atmosphere has been a research subject for more than 20 years. The present paper is concerned with the downward mapping of an ionospheric electric field into the troposphere following a 'sudden' - change in the atmospheric conductivity profile. The formulation is limited to the case of a static magnetic field which is vertical to the earth's surface. The obtained results are, therefore, most applicable at high latitudes. It is assumed that the 'sudden' change occurs within a fraction of a second and is sustained for a time of the order of at least several seconds. It is pointed out that such changes in ionospheric conductivity can occur as a result of sudden solar particle events (SPE) or particle precipitation into the lower ionosphere. Attention is given to theory, electric field calculations, and the obtained results.

Dejnakarintra, M.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Recent research on magnetospheric wave-particle interactions

Highlights of recent Stanford University VLF research in the Antarctic include new observations of wave-induced particle precipitation and controlled experiments on nonlinear wave growth phenomena. Higher-than-expected levels of burst precipitation have been discovered inside the plasmasphere, near L = 2, using subionospheric signal perturbations called 'Trimpi events'. Studies of burst precipitation have been extended to the region poleward of the plasmapause using the Siple transmitter signal as a waveguide probe. Experiments on the 'coherent wave instability', using the amplitude and frequency modulation capability of the new Siple transmitter, have produced exciting new results. Examples are: (1) better definition of the power threshold for the stimulation of temporal wave growth, (2) generation of strong sidebands by unamplified 'beat' waves and (3) generation of chorus-like elements within a band of simulated hiss. Using a new digital processing technique developed at Stanford, new features of the phase behavior of growing waves have been found. Opportunities for extending these experiments are discussed.

Helliwell, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Subionospheric VLF/LF phase perturbations produced by lightning-whistler induced particle precipitation

Rapid phase perturbations of subionospherically propagating VLF/LF signals are associated with lightning-generated whistlers which propagate in the magnetosphere. The perturbations, called 'Trimpi events' or 'Trimpi effects' after their discoverer, are attributed to alterations in the earth-ionosphere waveguide caused by localized enhancements in the ionospheric D region. These enhancements are produced by bursts of high-energy electrons which are precipitated out of the earth's radiation belts by the whistler waves. The present paper has the objective to present and discuss new evidence of whistler-associated phase perturbations of subionospheric signals. Events of this type, called phase Trimpi's were first reported by Lohrey and Kaiser (1979). Attention is given to occurrence statistics in terms of the seasonal distribution and hourly rate of events, possible effects on global VLF/LF navigation, and an interpretive model.

Inan, U. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Variable frequency VLF signals in the magnetosphere Associated phenomena and plasma diagnostics

Coherent variable-frequency signals (ramps) extending from 1 to 8 kHz, injected into the magnetosphere from Siple Station, Antarctica (L=4.3), exhibit upper and lower cutoffs when received at the conjugate station, Roberval, Quebec. Ramp group delay measurements and ionospheric sounding data are used to determine the cold plasma density and L shell of the propagation path. Relationships among f, df/dt, and the 'phase equator' for gyroresonance are calculated using second-order resonance equations generalized to relativistic electrons. The concept thereby introduced is used to develop a diagnostic technique which, for an assumed g(alpha)(v exp -n) electron distribution, provides an estimate of the energy dependence n. Additional aspects of the magnetospheric response to ramp injection, such as emission triggering, curvature due to dispersion, and amplitude saturation, are discussed.

Carlson, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Whistler-triggered VLF noise bursts observed on the DE-1 satellite and simultaneously at Antarctic ground stations

Simultaneous observations of whistler-triggered very low-frequency noise bursts on the ground at Anarctic stations, Halley and Siple, and on the high-altitude satellite DE-1 are reported. Results of a case study from June 25, 1982 in which the satellite data were recorded near 25 deg south magnetic latitude and the L = 4.7 magnetic shell, are presented. Analysis indicates that the chorus bursts that are triggered in whistler ducts travel downwards in the ducts to low altitudes in the ionosphere, and that propagation to DE-1 is by upward reflection into a nonducted mode. A means of estimating the propagation characteristics of the wave bursts is provided by comparisons of nonducted signals from the Siple transmitter and discrete periodic emissions. The ducted-nonducted mode conversion process is a mechanism for the large-scale spreading into the magnetosphere of coherent whistler-mode wave energy which is generated, amplified, or triggered in small localized ducts. The DE-1 data show that a strong interaction exists between whistler-triggered noise bursts and prevailing hiss levels.

Smith, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Perturbations of subionospheric LF and MF signals due to whistler-induced electron precipitation bursts

Increasing attention is now being devoted to the problem of the pitch angle scattering and resulting precipitation of magnetospheric energetic electrons by coherent waves. The present investigation has the objective to report the first evidence of a correlation between whistlers and amplitude perturbations on low-frequency (LF) signals at 37.2 kHz and medium-frequency (MF) signals at 780 kHz. Whistler-correlated amplitude perturbations were observed on a 780-kHz MF signal propagating on an approximately 1800 km path from South America to Palmer. The observed MF perturbations were of order 50 percent in amplitude and developed much more quickly than other changes of comparable magnitude on the signal.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

A comparison of equatorial electron densities measured by whistlers and by a satellite radio technique

Magnetospheric equatorial electron densities determined from whistler observations are compared with in situ satellite measurements of electron density along near-equatorial orbits. Whistler data was recorded at Siple and Palmer, Antarctica, while the sweep frequency receiver on ISEE-1 was used to measure plasma densities during passes within about 15 deg of the whistler station longitudes at L values between 3 and 5.2. The whistler and satellite data sets are found to be in good agreement for the three rendezvous considered, suggesting that the diffusive equilibrium model applied to calculate electron densities from whistler measurements was appropriate for the description of electron density distributions along field lines in the outer plasmasphere. Data also indicate that density enhancements within the whistler ducts were not more than about 30% of the mean or interduct level, and that there were no significant east-west density gradients within about 15 deg of whistler station longitudes over the L range of the study.

Carpenter, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Whistlers and VLF noises propagating just outside the plasmapause

Ground-based recordings have been made of broadband whistler mode signals propagating along the plasmasphere outer surface, i.e., beyond the region of steep plasmapause density gradients. In contrast to features found in other field line regions, the extension of signal frequencies into the 0.5-0.8 f(Heq) range is observed, (where f(Heq) is the equatorial electron gyrofrequency of the path). The effects are exhibited by the fine structure of the knee trace and other plasmapause irregularities, amplitude peaks and emissionlike behavior above the nose frequency, whistler mode echoing above 0.5 f(Heq), and narrowband noises and noise bursts propagating along the plasmapause outer surface.

Carpenter, D. L.↗