Simulation and Analysis of Ionospheric Electric Field and Current Based on the Electrodynamic Process

Abstract

Research of ionospheric electric current density is generally based on some theoretical formulas and empirical models. The electrodynamic process of charged particles in plasma with a magnetic field can help analyze the formation mechanism of ionospheric electric field and current so that the ionospheric electric field intensity and current density can be simulated and studied. Furthermore, by establishing partial differential equations in magnetic dipole coordinates, electric current density in mid- and low-latitude ionosphere can be calculated by means of a series of more reasonable boundary conditions in this article. Besides, the wind drag and particles diffusion are taken into account to make the results more accurate. The electric field value fitted by the empirical model is used to verify the rationality of current density calculated indirectly. Through this theoretical model, the distribution of electric fields and currents in ionosphere has been carefully studied. In addition, several physical elements influencing the current value and direction are also studied, including external environmental factors, such as solar activity and geomagnetic index, as well as the internal factors, such as electrons and ions temperature. These works will be a great help in the future for the precise determination of ionospheric currents.