Effects of different geomagnetic field models on the motion of high-energy charged particles in space

Liu Zhenjun; Hao Jianhong; Xue Bixi; Zhao Qiang; Zhang Fang; Fan Jieqing; Dong Zhiwei

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202638.250049

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Liu Zhenjun, Hao Jianhong, Xue Bixi, et al. Effects of different geomagnetic field models on the motion of high-energy charged particles in space[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250049

Citation:

Liu Zhenjun, Hao Jianhong, Xue Bixi, et al. Effects of different geomagnetic field models on the motion of high-energy charged particles in space[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250049

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Effects of different geomagnetic field models on the motion of high-energy charged particles in space

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202638.250049

1.
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
2.
Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China

Received Date: 2025-03-19
Accepted Date: 2025-08-28
Rev Recd Date: 2025-10-28

Available Online: 2025-11-15

Abstract

Abstract

Background
The motion and trapping of high-energy charged particles in the radiation belts are significantly influenced by the structure of Earth's magnetic field. Utilizing different geomagnetic models in simulations can lead to varying understandings of particle loss mechanisms in artificial radiation belts.
Purpose
This study aims to simulate and compare the trajectories and loss processes of 10 MeV electrons injected at different longitudes and L-values under the centered dipole, eccentric dipole, and International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) models, to elucidate the influence of geomagnetic field models on particle trapping and loss, particularly within the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) region.
Methods
The particle loss processes during injection were simulated using the MAGNETOCOSMIC program within the Geant4 Monte Carlo software. Simulations were conducted for 10 MeV electrons at various longitudes and L-values. The trajectories, loss cone angles, and trapping conditions were analyzed and compared among the three geomagnetic models.
Results
The centered dipole model yielded relatively regular and symmetric electron drift trajectories. asymmetry was observed in the eccentric dipole model. The IGRF model produced the most complex and irregular trajectories, best reflecting the actual variability of Earth's magnetic field. Regarding the relationship between loss cone angle and L-value, the IGRF model exhibited the largest loss cone angles, indicating the most stringent conditions for particle trapping. Furthermore, injection longitude significantly influenced loss processes, with electrons approaching the center of the SAA being most susceptible to drift loss.
Conclusions
The choice of geomagnetic model critically impacts the simulation of particle dynamics in artificial radiation belts. The IGRF model, offering the most detailed field representation, predicts the strictest trapping conditions and most realistic loss patterns, especially within the SAA. These findings enhance the understanding of particle trapping mechanisms and are significant for space environment research and applications.
- artificial radiation belt,
- loss cone,
- south Atlantic anomaly region,
- international geomagnetic reference field,
- adiabatic invariant motion

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References(26)

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