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The interaction of quasiperpendicular shock waves in a collisionless plasmaThe interaction between collisionless shocks is examined from a kinetic viewpoint using computer simulations of shock collisions spanning the range of ambient plasma and shock parameters typical of the interplanetary medium. It is found that the interaction between two subcritical, perpendicular shocks is largely fluidlike with no evidence for accelerated particles. The electromagnetic fields associated with each shock, but not the plasmas, pass through each other during the collision. This interaction is due to self-consistently generated electric fields which adjust to the value needed to bring to rest the two incoming streams. The interaction between two supercritical perpendicular collisionless shocks is similar to the subcritical case, in that the electromagnetic fields associated with each shock are transmitted whereas particles are not. However, the interaction is also highly dynamic with substantial acceleration of ions. Increasing the Mach number gives rise to an increasing number of energetic particles.
Document ID
19870065185
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Cargill, P. J.
(Maryland Univ. College Park, MD, United States)
Goodrich, C. C.
(Maryland, University College Park, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Physics of Fluids
Volume: 30
ISSN: 0031-9171
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
87A52459
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-81
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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