Formation of double layers within an oblique collisionless shock

Simulations show that for shock waves propagating obliquely to a magnetic field (angles from 55 to 80 deg for the parameters run), a double layer forms at the shock front and plays an important role in the shock dynamics. Electrons are strongly accelerated through the double layer and scatter off ion and magnetic field fluctuations behind the shock. Some ions are reflected by the double layer and the jump in magnetic field. For these investigations, electron heating is the major source of dissipation.