Electron Acceleration by Random DC Electric Fields

Abstract

We present a global model for the acceleration of electrons in the framework of the statistical flare model of Vlahos et al. In this model, solar flares are the result of an internal self-organized critical (SOC) process in a complex, evolving, and highly inhomogeneous active region. The acceleration of electrons is due to localized DC electric fields closely related to the energy-release process in the active region. Our numerical results for the kinetic energy distribution of accelerated electrons show a power-law or an exponential-law behavior, depending on the maximum trapping time of the energetic particles inside the acceleration volume. © 1997. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.