Models of the Knee in the Energy Spectrum of Cosmic Rays

Abstract

The origin of the knee in the energy spectrum of cosmic rays is an outstanding problem in astroparticle physics. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed to explain the structure in the all-particle spectrum. In the article basic ideas of several models are summarized, including diffusive acceleration of cosmic rays in shock fronts, acceleration via cannonballs, leakage from the Galaxy, interactions with background particles in the interstellar medium, as well as new high-energy interactions in the atmosphere. The calculated energy spectra and mean logarithmic masses are compiled and compared to results from direct and indirect measurements.

30 pages, 20 figures accepted by Astroparticle Physics captions of figures 1-3 clarified, references added

References in corpus (2)

• The knee in galactic cosmic ray spectrum and variety in supernovae
• On total inelastic cross-sections and the average depth of the maximum of extensive air showers

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