On the importance of reverse current ohmic losses in electron-heated solar flare atmospheres

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (29) References (17) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS On the importance of reverse current ohmic losses in electron-heated solar flare atmospheres Emslie, A. G. Abstract The paper considers the passage of a beam of nonthermal electrons through the flaring solar atmosphere, paying particular attention to the requirement that the beam be stable to the generation of plasma turbulence. The ratio of energy losses due to reverse current ohmic heating and heating by Coulomb collisions, respectively, for the greatest flux which can pass stably through the atmosphere is computed. It is shown that this ratio is determined by the low energy cutoff of the beam, by the electron temperature of the ambient atmosphere, and by the electron to ion temperature ratio theta. It is also independent of the atmospheric density. The results show that ohmic energy losses are undoubtedly important in the initial transient state, in agreement with other authors, but that their role is debatable in the flare atmosphere, depending on the value of theta appropriate. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1981 DOI: 10.1086/159339 Bibcode: 1981ApJ...249..817E Keywords: Coulomb Collisions; Electron Beams; Magnetohydrodynamics; Ohmic Dissipation; Solar Atmosphere; Solar Flares; Atmospheric Density; Electron Energy; Flux (Rate); Particle Acceleration; Particle Collisions; Solar Physics full text sources ADS |