SIMULATION OF THE INITIAL EVOLUTION OF THE CRRES G-9 BARIUM RELEASE IN THE IONOSPHERE

The optical peculiarities of the initial ion cloud dynamics in the CRR ES G-9 Caribbean barium release are studied. Comparison of simulation results and optical data of 'skidding' of the ion barium cloud observe d by low-light-level TV-images indicates good agreement. The simulatio n is based on a modified 2D electrostatic code. The background electri c held and a model of the inhomogeneous ionization of the neutral clou d were included. The fragmentation of the back of the cloud during the ion 'skidding' process is explained by the results of the simulation. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd