Engineering topics

Tan, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Tan, A..

7 records

NASA NTRS1991

Model of Jovian F region ionosphere (Saturnian ionosphere in offset dipole approximation)

Researchers investigated the offset effect of Saturn's dipole on its ionosphere. The magnetic field of Saturn is primarily that of a dipole closely aligned to the rotational axis, but displaced northward from the center by a distance approximately equal to 0.05 R sub S, R sub S being the reference radius of Saturn. This offset effect would manifest itself most prominently between the ionospheric profiles in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres of Saturn.

Tan, A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Model of Jovian F region ionosphere (Jovian ionosphere model in offset dipole approximation)

The geomagnetic control of the Earth's atmosphere is well understood. In the F-region and the topside ionosphere, non-electrical forces transport plasma along the magnetic field lines only. In consequence, the worldwide distribution of ionization is strongly dependent on the dip angle. For example, the equatorial anomaly is roughly symmetrical about the dipole equator rather than the geographic. The same appears to be the case in the Jovian ionosphere (Mahajan, 1981). The influence of the magnetic field of Jupiter on its ionization pattern is one of several outstanding topics which need to be studied. Tan (1986) investigated the formation of the equatorial anomaly in the Jovian ionosphere under a centered dipole model. Tan (1988) further studied the effect of the tilt of the Jovian dipole. The results were in broad agreement with those of a diffusive equilibrium model (Tan and Wu, 1981). An off-centered dipole model is constructed and its effects on the ionization pattern are investigated.

Tan, A.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Model of Jovian F region ionosphere

To date, seven electron density profiles of the Jovian ionosphere have been furnished by the radio occultation experiments aboard the Pioneer and Voyager space probes. The data correspond to various localities (latitudes and longitudes) and times (dawn and dusk) and phases of sunspot cycle (high and low). This renders comparative studies difficult. Nevertheless, the possibility of existence of diurnal variation, equatorial anomaly, and auroral particle precipitation in the Jovian ionosphere have been put forth. The grand magnitude and depth of the equatorial anomaly, in particular, is a matter of great interest and speculation. Correct interpretations of the data and the physical processes in the complex Jovian atmospheric environment will remain a major task for the Aeronomer for decades to come. Model studies of a Jovian ionosphere created by solar EUV radiation and subjected to model ExB drifts showed that equatorial anomaly similar to that in the terrestrial ionosphere can indeed be produced in the Jovian ionosphere. However, owing to the difference in size and rotation period of the two planets and the ionic compositions, much larger drift velocities are required to produce a comparable anomaly in the Jovian atmosphere.

Tan, A.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Thunderstorm electric field modelling

Calculation of eletric field vectors within and near an isolated thundercloud (which has a given volume charge distribution) is envisaged. The maximum field strength within the thundercloud is calculated. The effects of screening layers, both above and below the thundercloud may be investigated, as well time-dependent potential problem. The study can lead to a better understanding of the charge distributions in a thundercloud, which in turn may shed some light on the actual mechanism of charging of a thundercloud.

Tan, A.↗

NASA NTRS1981

The two-dimensional diagnostic model for tropospheric OH - An uncertainty analysis

Tropospheric OH is believed to play a major role in atmospheric photochemistry, and, via its chemical interactions OH ultimately may affect the climate, stratospheric ozone levels, and the pH of rain. A valuable tool for predicting the global OH abundance as a function of latitude and altitude is the two-dimensional diagnostic model for tropospheric OH. This model can also be applied to budget studies of species which interact with OH, such as CH4, CO, and O3. In addition to laboratory-obtained kinetic data, important variables include the rate constants for several reactions, the rate of heterogeneous removal of soluble species, and the global abundance and spatial variability in H2O, O3, CO, and NOx. The uncertainties in these parameters imply over a factor of 3 variability in the calculated global OH concentration as well as significant uncertainties in the latitudinal and vertical OH distribution.

Chameides, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Ionization effects due to solar flare on terrestrial ionosphere

Sudden frequency deviation ionospheric disturbances related to the flares of May 18 and 19, 1973 were observed from the NASA/MSFC high frequency Doppler sounder array system in Huntsville, Alabama. The results are compared with those observed at Table Mountain near Boulder, Colorado and at the University of Hawaii.

Wu, S. T.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Diurnal variation of the Jovian ionosphere

The time-dependent structure of the Jovian ionosphere is examined. Diurnal variation of appreciable magnitude is revealed in the lower ionosphere. The upper ionosphere remains more or less intact at nighttime, as in the case of the earth's ionosphere. There is considerable difference in the height-integrated electrical conductivities on the day and night sides.

Tan, A.↗