Simulation of the initial evolution of the CRRES G-9 barium release in the ionosphere

Abstract

The optical peculiarities of the initial ion cloud dynamics in the CRRES G-9 Caribbean barium release are studied. Comparison of simulation results and optical data of ‘skidding’ of the ion barium cloud observed by low-light-level TV-images indicates good agreement. The simulation is based on a modified 2D electrostatic code. The background electric field and a model of the inhomogeneous ionization of the neutral cloud were included. The fragmentation of the back of the cloud during the ion ‘skidding’ process is explained by the results of the simulation.