New electron energy transfer rates for vibrational excitation of N₂

In this paper we present the results of a study of the electron cooling rate, the production rates of vibrationally excited N2(v), and the production frequency of the N2 vibrational quanta arising from the collisions of electrons with unexcited N2(0) and vibrationally excited N2(1) molecules as functions of the electron temperature. The electron energy transfer rates for vibrational excitation of N2 have been calculated and fit to analytical expressions by use of the revised vibrationally excited N2 cross sections. These new analytical expressions are available to the researcher for quick reference and accurate computer modeling with a minimum of calculations.Key words. Atmospheric composition and structure · Thermosphere · Ionosphere · Modeling and forecastin