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A finite difference time domain model for the Titan ionosphere Schumann resonances
Author(s) -
Navarro E. A.,
Soriano A.,
Morente J. A.,
Portí J. A.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/2006rs003490
Subject(s) - schumann resonances , finite difference time domain method , titan (rocket family) , physics , computational physics , ionosphere , atmospheric models , boundary value problem , meteorology , classical mechanics , geophysics , optics , astronomy , quantum mechanics
This paper presents a numerical approach to model the electrical properties of Titan's atmosphere. The finite difference time domain technique is applied to model the atmosphere of Saturn's satellite in order to determine Schumann resonant frequencies and electromagnetic field distributions at the extremely low frequency range. Spherical coordinates are employed, and periodic boundary conditions are implemented in order to exploit the symmetry in rotation of the celestial body. Results are compared with a previous model using the transmission line matrix method up to 180 km altitude. For the first time a numerical FDTD model up to 800 km altitude is carried out, and we report lower frequencies than other previous models. The Schumann resonances of Titan were measured by the NASA–European Space Agency Cassini‐Huygens mission in January 2005. Our mathematical model can be modified to change the conductivity profiles to explain the observed experimental data.