On the energy spectrum of galactic primary cosmic rays: Results from the transport equation (Q1114561)
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English | On the energy spectrum of galactic primary cosmic rays: Results from the transport equation |
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On the energy spectrum of galactic primary cosmic rays: Results from the transport equation (English)
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1988
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The spectrum of galactic primary cosmic rays at relativistic momenta is calculated. The primaries are assumed to be accelerated continuously from the thermal galactic background medium by first- and second-order Fermi acceleration. We show that the observed spectrum is readily obtained from the transport equation conventionally invoked to discuss propagation and loss of cosmic rays in our Galaxy from a distribution of sources. We have previously shown [the authors, Astron. Astrophys. 151, 408 ff. (1985)] that the observed secondary to primary ratio is satisfactorily explained by a similar use of the transport equation, allowing for secondary production from the primaries. Accordingly, when the results of this paper are added to those concerning the secondary/primary ratio behaviour, it would seem that continuous Fermi acceleration accounts, in a quantitative fashion, for the spectral behaviour observed at Earth.
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hydromagnetic waves
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galactic primary cosmic rays
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relativistic momenta
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thermal galactic background medium
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Fermi acceleration
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transport equation
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