Second‐order effects related to a model for a parallel shock

Abstract

Second‐order effects are calculated for a low‐frequency electromagnetic instability due to an ion beam in a plasma. This instability is a characteristic of a parallel shock model that includes an ion reflecting electrostatic subshock. The analysis is similar to that done by S. P. Gary, but a counterstreaming configuration is chosen that is homogeneous in time and that has specially growing modes. Among other effects, energy is transferred from the incoming main plasma ions to the beam ions. Electron pressure effects are calculated and are small for low frequencies. The application of this model to the earth's bow shock is discussed.