Band Function Fit to 23rd Solar Cycle Ground Level Proton Events and Radiation Exposure Assessments

摘要

An improved methodology has been developed to describe the complete particle energy spectrum (10 MeV - 20 GeV) for solar proton events. This new method utilizes GOES MEPAD (Medium Energy Proton Alpha Detector) and GOES HEPAD (High Energy Proton Alpha Detector) satellite data and high-latitude neutron monitor station data. We compare this new method, called a Band function fit, which is a double power law in particle rigidity (momentum), to earlier exponential in particle rigidity extrapolation methods that have been in use by the scientific community for several decades. We also present radiation exposure assessments for several shielding materials and show how the older extrapolation method compares with the Band function. These radiation exposure assessments can be applied to humans and radio-sensitive spacecraft systems when designing spaceflight missions and crew and electronics enclosures.