A Method to Compute Three Dimensional Magnetospheric Equilibria with Dipole Tilt and its Application in Estimating Magnetic Flux Tube Volume

In this thesis we describe a new version of a magneto-friction model, which was developed for computing the magnetospheric equilibrium that includes an arbitrary Earth's dipole tilt and interplanetary magnetic field. We also describe the algorithms of this new friction code that trace magnetic field lines, locate the neutral sheet, and identify the magnetopause In addition, we present a generalized theory for calculating magnetic flux tube volume in the magnetotail, in an attempt to generalize the Wolf [2006] empirical formula, and describe a method for estimating flux tube volume from measurements at geosynchronous orbit. This new method has been tested against various equilibrated magnetospheres generated by the new friction code. Although still incomplete, the method exhibits promising features, and is to be completed in the future.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Natural Sciences

Grantor

Rice University

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Zheng, Liheng

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Tofforetto, Grank

• Pure sciences
• Earth sciences
• Geophysics
• Plasma physics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1911/70519

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.rice.edu:1911/70519