Interaction and propagation characteristics of two counter and co-propagating Mach cones in a dusty plasma

Abstract

We theoretically investigate the interaction and propagation characteristics of two co/counter propagating Mach cones triggered by two projectile particles moving with supersonic velocities in the same/opposite directions through a dusty plasma medium. The Mach cone solutions are obtained by solving a model set of fluid equations for a heavily charged dust fluid that includes the contributions of the projectile particles in the Poisson equation. The density profiles and velocity vector maps of the Mach wings show interesting structural changes when they interact with each other and form patterns similar to interference fringes. Compared to the co-propagating Mach cones, the wings of counter propagating Mach cones produce a larger number of maxima and minima in the pattern resulting from their mutual interaction. In addition, the time duration of the formation of two maxima or minima at a particular point decreases due to the interactions of Mach cones. Another notable feature is that the spacing between adjacent maxima increases, while the fringe angle decreases with the increase of relative velocity of the counter propagating projectile particles.