Simulations of high-Mach-number collisionless perpendicular shocks in astrophysical plasmas
Abstract
A problem of critical importance to space physics and astrophysics is the existence and properties of high-Mach-number shocks. In this Letter we present the preliminary results of a simulation of a perpendicular shock with Alfvén Mach number 22. We show that for sufficiently small electron resistivity the dissipation for this shock is provided by a periodic, rather than time-stationary, reflection of ions. We discuss the problem of electron heating and the extension to higher Mach numbers.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- April 1985
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.54.1872
- Bibcode:
- 1985PhRvL..54.1872Q
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics;
- Collisionless Plasmas;
- Cosmic Plasma;
- Shock Waves;
- Computational Astrophysics;
- Ion Scattering;
- Mach Number;
- Astrophysics;
- 95.30.Qd;
- 51.40.+p;
- 52.35.Tc;
- 94.30.-d;
- Magnetohydrodynamics and plasmas;
- Acoustical properties;
- Shock waves and discontinuities;
- Physics of the magnetosphere