Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Abstract
Simulations of relativistic runaway breakdown (RRB) are performed as functions of both time and space, resulting in explicit calculations of e-folding lengths (λ) and times (τ). The ratio of λ to τ agrees well with the speed of the avalanche, which ranges from 2.61 × 108 m sˉ¹ to 2.72 × 108 m sˉ¹. Thus, using the speed of light, c, for the ratio of λ to τ can cause a 10% error when estimating λ from τ. A 10% error in λ will cause a factor of three error in the predicted number of runaway electrons for every ten estimated e-foldings. In addition, previous models that predict peak radiated electric fields from RRB have used avalanche speeds of 0.987c and higher. Using a propagation speed of 0.89c causes a dramatic change in the predicted beaming pattern of electromagnetic radiation caused by RRB in these models.
DOI
10.1029/2006GL025863
Publication Date
2006
Recommended Citation
Coleman, Lee M. and Dwyer, Joseph R., "Propagation Speed Of Runaway Electron Avalanches" (2006). Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications. 498.
https://repository.fit.edu/apss_faculty/498
