PIC simulations of the self-reformation and surface ripples of the Earth's bow shock: implications for MMS observations
Abstract
How the shock front gets rippled and periodically self-reformed in a moderate-Mach-number quasi-perpendicular shock is presented by Particle-in-cell simulations in three dimensions. We found that the shock front reformation and rippling can strongly modulate the excitation of quasi-electrostatistic waves at the leading edge of the foot. These waves can reflect a fraction of incident solar wind electrons and accelerate them to a non-thermal tail. The impact of the shock normal angle and other plasma parameters on results will be discussed in detail. The results can explain the shock front nonstationarity and particle dynamics observed at the Earth's bow shock by MMS.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFMSH31C3642Y
- Keywords:
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- 2772 Plasma waves and instabilities;
- MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICSDE: 7845 Particle acceleration;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICSDE: 7846 Plasma energization;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICSDE: 7851 Shock waves;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICS