The relationship between proton temperature and momentum flux density in the solar wind

Abstract
The relationship between proton temperature and momentum flux density per unit mass at 1 AU is examined using Helios 1 solar wind data from 1974 to 1980. In high‐speed plasma (V > 500 km s−1) Tp increases with increasing n0V², where n0 and Tp are the density and proton temperature at 1 AU and V is the flow speed. In low‐speed plasma (V < 500 km s−1), Tp does not increase with increasing n0V², and perhaps tends to decrease slightly. These basic relationships between Tp and n0V² are not significantly affected by stream interactions. A qualitative explanation of these results is offered in the context of a solar wind model that includes deposition of momentum and energy extending well outward into the interplanetary medium.

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