Table 4B.3. Studies of the Theory of Ionospheric Heating Title of Effort Objective Benefit to SPS Plasma Instabilities Driven by Ohmic Heating- Thermal Self-Focusing and Stimulated Diffusion Scattering Provide detailed model for underdense plasmas using both linear and non-linear theory Model for: Scaling in frequency Time and Space Scales Thresholds Prediction of Saturation level of electron density irregularities Determination of creation (and disappearance) of irregularities generated by self-focusing. Will provide the theoretical basis to explain experimental results undertaken to observe effects of thermal self-focusing on radio waves. Will provide the only basis for extrapolating the experimental evidence to frequencies comparable to the SPS operating frequency. Plasma Instabilities Driven by Ohmic Heating- Electron Thermal Runaway Linear Instabilities in Intensely Heated Ionospheres Determine model for electron temperature and density changes for a realistic ionosphere subjected to intense heating. Determine coefficients for ionospheric cross-modulation. Determine changes in neutral and ion composition. Determine if classes of instabilities (Plasma Wave Instabilities, Stimulated Raman Scattering, etc.) will occur during SPS operation and experimental program. Will provide the physical basis needed to address whether or not thermal runaway will be associated with SPS operation. Will provide the only means to extrapolate experimental evidence of thermal runaway effects observed at lower frequencies to SPS frequencies. Will provide information needed to judge if experimental results can be confidently extrapolated to the SPS scenario.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==