Some effects of diffusion on the flow of ions in the solar wind

The contribution of diffusive effects to the near equality of flow velocities of H+ and heavier ions of the solar wind at 1 AU is examined. Frictional drag on heavy ions from average solar wind fluxes of H+ appears to make an appreciable contribution to equalizing velocities. The frictional drag on H+ due to the presence of heavy ions may make an appreciable contribution to equalizing flow velocities, since compensating increases in coronal temperatures may be required in order to give solar wind velocities for H+. However, rather large enhancements of heavy ions near the sun appear to be required. If appreciable enhancements of heavy ions extend beyond about 2.5 solar radii, significant increases in heavy ion temperatures above H+ temperatures may be produced. This temperature difference may contribute to equalizing flow velocities and may contribute to the explanation of measured temperature differences at 1 AU between H+ and He++.