Large electric fields in the magnetosphere

In several regions of the magnetosphere, perpendicular and/or parallel electric fields are found to be orders-of-magnitude larger than expected from simple considerations. Problems associated with these large fields that may be amenable to study through computer simulations are discussed. Regions in which large electric fields are observed include: a) The auroral ionosphere, where Langmuir soliton-like structures have been measured to contain plasma frequency oscillations as large as 500 mV/m, the envelopes of which have parallel electric fields of 100 mV/m lasting for fractions of a millisecond; b) The auroral acceleration region, where electrostatic shocks have been observed to contain perpendicular fields as large as 1000 mV/m and parallel fields as large as 100 mV/m, and where double layers having parallel fields up to 10 mV/m have been observed; c) The high latitude boundary of the plasma sheet, where turbulent electric fields as large as 100 mV/m have been seen along with quasi-static fields of 5–10 mV/m; d) Inside the plasma sheet, where fields of 5–10 mV/m have frequently been observed; e) The bow shock, where turbulent fields as large as 100 mV/m and d.c. fields of 5 mV/m normal to the shock have been seen.also Physics Department     

Recent developments of electric vehicles and their propulsionsystems

Major recent electric vehicle (EV) programs in North America, Europe, and Japan are reviewed. The developments discussed include electric vehicles for fleet operation and electric passenger cars for urban transit. All major auto makers have had their own concept electric vehicle programs, targeted at commercial production in the late 1990s. It Is noted that, with different objectives for various electric vehicles, considerations such as cost, reliability, efficiency, maintenance, durability, weight, size, and noise level should be compromised for the propulsion system design. Consequently, DC motor drives, induction motor drives, and permanent magnet brushless DC motor drives will continually be used for EV propulsion systems in the future, with DC drives being gradually replaced by AC drives. The rapid advances in power semiconductor devices and microprocessors have made it possible to build reliable and cost-effective AC drive systems     

Now we can explore the Universe

It is suggested that the old scientific myth: “Nothing can go faster than light!” should be changed to: “Nothing electromagnetic can go faster than light!” Now that it is known that infinite velocity of propagation (VOP) is possible, there is another communications media whose VOP may be infinite. An experiment is under construction to compare electric field and electromagnetic transmission VOP. Since magnetic fields in electric field transmission will be parallel to the direction of transmission rather than at right angles, there is reason to expect that electric field transmissions will have infinite VOP     

Measurements of quasi-static electric fields between 3 and 7 Earth radii on GEOS-1

Quasi-static electric fields have been measured with two spherical probes supported by cable booms providing a baseline of 42 m for the measurement. The performance of the experiment is outlined to demonstrate that electric fields can be measured with accuracies of ±0.7 mV m^-1 and ±1.0 mV m^-1 in the dawn-dusk and satellite-sun directions respectively. These uncertainties can be considerably reduced under favourable plasma conditions. Examples of typical observations are described.

1. The average electric field is always characterized by an irregular structure with time scales 0.5–5 min and with amplitudes of a few mV m^-1.
2. During substorms dawn-dusk electric fields up to 20–30 mV m^-1 have been observed over intervals of 30–60 s.
3. Oscillating electric fields with peak-to-peak amplitudes up to 10 mV m^-1 and periods of 3–10 min have been observed following magnetospheric disturbances.

The observations are discussed in terms of plasma motions and possible spatial scale sizes of the phenomena, standing magnetospheric wave modes and electrostatic potentials.     

Satellite measurements of high latitude convection electric fields

This paper reviews the first results of satellite experiments to measure magnetospheric convection electric fields using the double-probe technique.The earliest successful measurements were made with the low-altitude (680–2530 km) polar orbiting Injun-5 spacecraft (launched August, 1968). The Injun-5 data are discussed in detail. The Injun-5 results are compared with the initial findings of the electric field experiment on the polar orbiting OGO-6 satellite (400–1100 km, launched June, 1969).In addition to electric fields, the Injun-5 spacecraft also measures electric antenna impedance and thermal and energetic charged particle densities. Knowledge of these parameters makes possible a detailed investigation of the operation of the electric antenna system. We report on this investigation and discuss errors attributed to sunlight shadows on the probes, wake effects, and other factors. The Injun-5 experiment can generally determine electric fields to an accuracy of about ±30 mV m^-1, and under favorable conditions, accuracies of ±10 mV m^-1 can be obtained.Reversals in the electric field at auroral zone latitudes are the most significant convection electric field effect discovered in the Injun-5 data. Electric field magnitudes of typically 30 mV m^-1, and sometimes 100 mV m^-1, are associated with reversals. Electric field reversals occur on 36% of auroral zone traversals, at about 70° to 80° invariant latitude, at all local times, and in both hemispheres. The latitude of a reversal often changes markedly on time scales less than 2 h. Electric potentials of greater than 40 keV are associated with these high latitude electric fields. Reversals occur at the boundary of measurable intensities of >45 keV electrons and are coincident with inverted V type low energy electron precipitation events. In almost all cases the E×B/B ² plasma convection velocities associated with reversals are directed east or west, with anti-sunward components at higher latitudes and sunward components at lower latitudes. Maximum convection velocities are typically 1.5 km s^-1 and ordinarily occur at the auroral zone near the reversal.Two extreme (and many intermediate) configurations of anti-sunward plasma convection have been observed to occur on the high latitude side of electric field reversals: (1) Ordinarily, >0.75 kms^-1 convection is limited to narrow (5° INV wide) zones adjacent to the reversal. (2) For 14% of reversals >0.75 km s^-1 anti-sunward convection has been observed across the entire polar cap along the trajectory of the Injun-5 spacecraft. A summary pattern of >0.75 km s^-1 polar thermal plasma convection is presented.Electric field measurements from the OGO-6 satellite have substantiated many of the initial Injun-5 observations with improved accuracy and sensitivity. The OGO-6 detector revealed the persistent occurrence of anti-sunward convection across the polar cap region at velocities (<0.75 km s^-1) not generally detectable with the Injun-5 experiment. The OGO-6 observations also provided information indicating that the location of the electric field reversal shifts equatorward during periods of increased magnetic activity.The implications of the electric field measurements for magnetosphericand auroral structure are summarized, and a list of specific recommendations for improving future experiments is presented.     

Large-scale electric fields and currents and related geomagnetic variations in the quiet plasmasphere

At the end of the sixties it became obvious that two-dimensional dynamo models can explain nearly all facts, which had been found morphologically for mean annual Sq-fields. During the recent decade new or improved methods to measure electric fields (e.g. incoherent scatter facilities) and to investigate great data files have been developed. New informations received with these methods about the existence of regular variations of the Sq-field in dependence on season and universal time and about the electric field have been summarized in Section 2. All attempts to describe also these variations with a two-dimensional dynamo model did not lead to any success, but showed a strong theoretical over-estimation of the asymmetries. Therefore, it must be concluded that three-dimensional plasmaspheric current systems, taking into consideration the coupling between both hemispheres along the high-conducting magnetic field lines, are needed in order to explain the regular variations of the Sq -field. The basic equations for two- and three-dimensional dynamo models, different methods for the solution of these equations and the resulting models from different authors are compiled and discussed (Section 3).Based on all morphological and theoretical results a plasmaspheric-ionospheric current system has been constructed and some properties of the plasmaspheric field-aligned current distribution, have been derived.     

Large-scale electric field in the magnetosphere

A review is given on the distribution and origin of the large-scale electric field in the magnetosphere and its influence on the dynamical behavior of the magnetospheric plasma. Following a general discussion on the gross structure of the magnetosphere and its tail, two principal electric field systems are deduced from ground-based geomagnetic variations. One is responsible for the polar substorm, the DP 1 field, which is closely associated with the activation of the auroral electrojet. The other is responsible for the twin current vortices, the DP 2 field, and this represents the general convective system set up in the magnetospheric plasma.The origin of these magnetospheric electric fields is possibly resided in the domain of the solar wind interacting with the outer geomagnetic field. However, the mechanism, in which the energy is transferred, is still quite controversial. Several theories so far proposed are re-examined, and some modification of them are suggested to have a consistent understanding of these two types of electric fields. The effects of electric fields on magnetospheric plasma dynamics are described, such as the formation of the plasmapause, the acceleration and diffusion of energetic particles in the radiation belt.     

飞机全电刹车机电作动系统上电自检测

提出了一种飞机全电刹车机电作动（EMA）系统的上电自检测（POST）方法,以保证系统在运行前处于安全工作区域。通过检测,可及时准确地定位和更换故障部件,提高飞机出勤率。在系统运行之前,尽可能在有限的检测次数内全面准确地检测敏感元件,定位故障部件,避免造成刹车系统的二次伤害。针对逆变器和电机三相绕组组成的驱动回路,利用母线电容放电产生电流,完成检测。检测过程利用电容电压而非电源为逆变器供电,可防止过高的短路电流对电源的冲击,且电容上存储的能量有限,可有效避免短路故障对系统的二次伤害。检测方法在原有电路的基础上并未增加传感器和检测电路,但实现了逆变器功率管以及电机绕组,短路和开路故障的全面检测,且可定位出故障部件和故障原因。该机电作动系统上电自检测方法能够保证在一秒内完成系统全面自检测,经过1 000次正常及带故障试验,故障的误报率和漏报率保持在1‰以下。在现场试验中,系统可抵御飞机复杂的电磁环境（EME）,工作性能稳定。通过软件设置不同故障阈值,可方便移植到其他机电作动系统中。     

Perspective on ultracapacitors for electric vehicles

Recent advances in performance of chemical double layer capacitors (DLC) with aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes have made it possible to seriously consider them for commercialization. Non-aqueous (organic) carbon based laboratory monopolar devices have recently met key U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) mid-term specifications (> 5 WNkg, >500 W/kg and >100,000 life cycles) for load-leveling electric vehicles batteries. All DLC technologies currently under development by DoE are discussed. Each technology has distinct advantages and none are clear winners at this time. A study has been completed by the General Electric Company on the interface electronics needed to best utilize the energy of capacitors for load-leveling batteries. System costs are presented based on this study, several battery technologies, and capacitor projections     

Early results from ISEE-1 electric field measurements

The double probe, floating potential instrumentation on ISEE-1 is producing reliable direct measurements of the ambient DC electric field at the bow shock, at the magnetopause, and throughout the magnetosheath, tail plasma sheet and plasmasphere. In the solar wind and in middle latitude regions of the magnetosphere spacecraft sheath fields obscure the ambient field under low plasma flux conditions such that valid measurements are confined to periods of moderately intense flux. Initial results show: (a) that the DC electric field is enhanced by roughly a factor of two in a narrow region at the front, increasing B, edge of the bow shock, (b) that scale lengths for large changes in E at the sub-solar magnetopause are considerably shorter than scale lengths associated with the magnetic structure of the magnetopause, and (c) that the transverse distribution of B-aligned E-fields between the outer magnetosphere and ionospheric levels must be highly complex to account for the random turbulent appearance of the magnetospheric fields and the lack of corresponding time-space variations at ionospheric levels. Spike-like, non-oscillatory, fields lasting <0.2 s are occasionally seen at the bow shock and at the magnetopause and also intermittently appear in magnetosheath and plasma sheet regions under highly variable field conditions. These suggest the existence of field phenomena occurring over dimensions comparable to the probe separation and c/_pe (the characteristic electron cyclotron radius) where _pe is the electron plasma frequency.     

Ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling

The large-scale electrical coupling between the ionosphere and magnetosphere is reviewed, particularly with respect to behavior on time scales of hours or more. The following circuit elements are included: (1) the magnetopause boundary layer, which serves as the generator for the magnetospheric-convection circuit; (2) magnetic field lines, usually good conductors but sometimes subject to anomalous resistivity; (3) the ionosphere, which can conduct current across magnetic field lines; (4) the magnetospheric particle distributions, including tail current and partial-ring currents. Magnetic merging and a viscous interaction are considered as possible generating mechanisms, but merging seems the most likely alternative. Several mechanisms have been proposed for causing large potential drops along magnetic field lines in the upper ionosphere, and many isolated measurements of parallel electric fields have been reported, but the global pattern and significance of these electric fields are unknown. Ionospheric conductivities are now thoroughly measured, but are highly variable. Simple self-consistent theoretical models of the magnetospheric-convection system imply that the magnetospheric particles should shield the inner magnetosphere and low-latitude ionosphere from most of the time-average convection electric field.     

Plasma characteristics determined by the Freja electric field instrument

A new approach to the study of ionospheric plasma characteristics is presented using data from the Freja double probe electric field instrument. Plasma characteristics are derived from continuous measurements of the satellite potential and from intermittent Langmuir sweeps. These provide information on both relative variations in the plasma density and absolute density and temperature, useful for comparisons with other plasma measurements on Freja, and essential for the interpretation of the electric field measurements. The on-board memory makes it possible to obtain full-orbit coverage of this type of information, which is a new feature of the Freja measurements. The memory is also used for high time resolution Langmuir sweeps which allow for the first time detailed studies of the time behavior of the probe response and computation of the probe-plasma capacitance. Comparisons are also made with similar measurements on earlier missions.     

THE ELECTRIC FIELD AND WAVE EXPERIMENT FOR THE CLUSTER MISSION

The electric-field and wave experiment (EFW) on Cluster is designed to measure the electric-field and density fluctuations with sampling rates up to 36000 samples s^-1. Langmuir probe sweeps can also be made to determine the electron density and temperature. The instrument has several important capabilities. These include (1) measurements of quasi-static electric fields of amplitudes up to 700 mV m^-1 with high amplitude and time resolution, (2) measurements over short periods of time of up to five simualtaneous waveforms (two electric signals and three magnetic signals from the seach coil magnetometer sensors) of a bandwidth of 4 kHz with high time resolution, (3) measurements of density fluctuations in four points with high time resolution. Among the more interesting scientific objectives of the experiment are studies of nonlinear wave phenomena that result in acceleration of plasma as well as large- and small-scale interferometric measurements. By using four spacecraft for large-scale differential measurements and several Langmuir probes on one spacecraft for small-scale interferometry, it will be possible to study motion and shape of plasma structures on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. This paper describes the primary scientific objectives of the EFW experiment and the technical capabilities of the instrument.     

电动直升机概念设计与分析

根据当前电池与电动机特性分别建立适合电动直升机的能源与动力系统数学模型,提出满足电动直升机的3种能源方案,构建出一套适合电动直升机概念设计的总体参数选择与优化方法,并结合任务剖面需求对采用3种能源方案的电动直升机展开总体参数的选择与敏感性分析。受当前电池技术水平发展,电动直升机的久航性能与燃油动力直升机相比有较大差距。通过参数敏感性分析方法得出,电动直升机具有与燃油直升机不同的设计特征,电动直升机应结合动力及能源系统特征进行针对性设计。     

Quasistatic electric field measurements with spherical double probes on the GEOS and ISEE satellites

Spherical double probes for measurements of electric fields on the GEOS-1, GEOS-2, and ISEE-1 satellites are described. An essential feature of these satellites is their conductive surfaces which eliminate errors due to differential charging and enable meaningful diagnostic experiments to be carried out. The result of these experiments is a good understanding of interactions between the plasma, the satellite and the probes, including photo-electron emission on satellite and probes. Electric field measurements are compared with measurements of plasma drift perpendicular to the magnetic field in the solar wind and the magnetosphere and the error bar for the absolute values of the electric field is found to be in the range ±(0.5–1.0) mV m^-1 whereas relative variations can be determined with much better accuracy. A useful by-product from a spherical double probe system is the determination of satellite floating potential which is related to the plasma electron flux. This measurement allows high time resolution studies of boundary crossings. Examples of electric field measurements, which reflect the recent scientific results, are given for different regions of the magnetosphere from the bow shock, the inner magnetosphere and the tail. Several examples of simultaneous GEOS-ISEE observations are described.     

Plasma transport across the heliopause

Existing heliopause models are critically rediscussed under the new aspect of possible plasma mixing between the solar wind and the ambient ionized component of the local interstellar medium (LISM). Based on current kinetic plasma theories, effective diffusion rates across the heliopause are evaluated for several models with turbulence caused by electrostatic or electromagnetic interactions that could be envisaged in this context. Some specific cases that may lead to high diffusion rates are investigated, especially in regard to their LISM magnetic field dependence.For weak fields (less than 10^–7 G), macroscopic hydrodynamic instabilities, such as of Rayleigh-Taylor or Kelvin-Helmholtz-types, can be excited. The resulting plasma mixing rates at the heliopause may amount to 20–30% of the impinging mass flow.Recently, an unconventional new approach to the problem for the case of tangential magnetic fields at the heliopause was published in which a continuous change of the plasma properties within an extended boundary layer is described by a complete set of two-fluid plasma equations including a hybrid MHD-formulation of wave-particle interaction effects. If a neutral sheet is assumed to exist within the boundary layer, the magnetic field direction is proven to be constant for a plane-parallel geometry. Considering the electric fields and currents in the layer, an interesting relationship between the field-reconnection probability and the electric conductivity can be derived, permitting a quantitative determination of either of these quantities.An actual value for the electrical conductivity is derived here on the basis of electron distribution functions given by a superposition of Maxwellians with different temperatures. Using two-stream instability theory and retaining only the most unstable modes, an exact solution for the density, velocity, and magnetic and electric fields can be obtained. The electrical conductivity is then shown to be six orders of magnitude lower than calculated by conventional formulas. Interestingly, this leads to an acceptable value of 0.1 for the reconnection coefficient.By analogy with the case of planetary magnetopauses, it is shown here for LISM magnetic fields of the order of 10^–6 G or larger that field reconnection processes may also play an important role for the plasma mixing at the heliopause. The resulting plasma mixing rate is estimated to amount to an average value of 10% of the incident mass flow. It is suggested here that the dependence of the cosmic-ray penetration into the heliosphere on the distribution of reconnecting areas at the heliopause may provide a means of deriving the strength and orientation of the LISM field.A series of observational implications for the expected plasma mixing at the heliopause is discussed in the last part of the paper. In particular, consequences are discussed for the generation of radio noise at the heliopause, for the penetration of LISM neutrals into the heliosphere, for the propagation of cosmic rays towards the inner part of the solar system and for convective electric field mergings into the heliosphere during the course of the solar cycle, depending on the solar cycle variations. With concern to a recent detection of electrostatic plasma waves by plasma receivers on Voyagers 1 and 2, we come to an interesting alternate explanation: the heliopause, rather than the heliospheric shock front, could be responsible for the generation of these waves.     

Electric Fields and Magnetic Fields in the Plasmasphere: A Perspective From CLUSTER and IMAGE

The electric field and magnetic field are basic quantities in the plasmasphere measured since the 1960s. In this review, we first recall conventional wisdom and remaining problems from ground-based whistler measurements. Then we show scientific results from Cluster and Image, which are specifically made possible by newly introduced features on these spacecraft, as follows. 1. In situ electric field measurements using artificial electron beams are successfully used to identify electric fields originating from various sources. 2. Global electric fields are derived from sequences of plasmaspheric images, revealing how the inner magnetospheric electric field responds to the southward interplanetary magnetic fields and storms/substorms. 3. Understanding of sub-auroral polarization stream (SAPS) or sub-auroral ion drifts (SAID) are advanced through analysis of a combination of magnetospheric and ionospheric measurements from Cluster, Image, and DMSP. 4. Data from multiple spacecraft have been used to estimate magnetic gradients for the first time.     

On improvement of materials separation accuracy by superimposition of electric fields

In this paper, the existing techniques of electrochemical dimensional machining are considered. The use of an additional current-conducting template makes it possible to improve the accuracy of materials separation with the aid of the electric field superimposed.     

The relationship between field-aligned currents and the auroral electrojets: A review

The recent development of several new observational techniques as well as of advanced computer simulation codes has contributed significantly to our understanding of dynamics of the three-dimensional current system during magnetospheric substorms. This paper attempts to review the main results of the last decade of research in such diverse fields as electric fields and currents in the high-latitude ionosphere and field-aligned currents and their relationship to the large-scale distribution of auroras and auroral precipitation. It also contains discussions on some efforts in synthesizing the vast amount of the observations to construct an empirical model which connects the ionospheric currents with field-aligned currents. While our understanding has been greatly improved during the last decade, there is much that is as yet unsettled. For example, we have reached only a first approximation model of the three-dimensional current system which is not inconsistent with integrated, ground-based and space observations of electric and magnetic fields. We have just begun to unfold the cause of the field-aligned currents both in the magnetosphere and ionosphere. Dynamical behaviour of the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling relating to substorm variability can be an important topic during the coming years.On leave of absence from Kyoto Sangyo University, Kyoto 603, Japan.