Numerical and Analytic Solutions of the Boltzmann Equation for Cosmic-Ray Transport.
Abstract
Eigenfunctions of the operator which describe the effects of adiabatic focusing and pitch angle scattering were defined and numerically evaluated. When the particle distribution function is expressed as a series of these focusing eigenfunctions, the Boltzmann equation is transformed into a matrix equation. A computer program used this matrix to calculate the distribution function as a function of time, and distance, and pitch angle determines the longitudinal transport of cosmic rays in a disordered, diverging magnetic field. The application of this theory of focused transport in the prediction of features of solar cosmic ray events and extragalactic radio sources is considered. The effect of energy loss due to synchrotron radiation on electron propagation in a rectilinear magnetic field was also investigated. In a large area, a synchrotron radiation field can expand with superliminal velocity. Implications of this finding for radio galaxies and quasars are explored.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977PhDT........10B
- Keywords:
-
- Physics: Astronomy and Astrophysics;
- Boltzmann Transport Equation;
- Computer Programs;
- Cosmic Rays;
- Magnetic Fields;
- Numerical Analysis;
- Distribution Functions;
- Eigenvectors;
- Extragalactic Radio Sources;
- Quasars;
- Synchrotron Radiation;
- Astrophysics