SP-345 Evolution of the Solar
System
FIGURE 6.6.1.-Interaction of a large
number of particles in Kepler orbits (a). In the discussion of
collision between particles in interplanetary space (e.g., evolution
of the asteroidal belt or meteor streams) it is usually taken for
granted that the state b will evolve into state a (positive
diffusion). This is usually not correct. Collisions between the
particles will not spread the orbits since the diffusion coefficient is
negative (Baxter and Thompson, 1971, 1973). Instead, collisions will
lead to equalization of the orbital elements, leading from state a to
state b so that a jet stream is formed. (From Alfvén and
Arrhenius, 1972.)
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