Abstract
The results of hybrid simulation of low-beta supercritical quasi-parallel shocks in high metallicity plasma are presented. The structure of upstream and downstream turbulence is addressed and velocities of the corresponding scattering centers are derived. It is shown that independently of their chemical composition the shocks experience self-reformation process. However, the period of self-reformation as well as the wave spectrum is greatly affected by the presence of substantial admixture of weakly charged heavy ions. Also the downstream magnetic field amplification is stronger for the high metallicity case.
Highlights
Collisionless shocks, appearing on scales much less than the Coulomb mean free path, are ubiquitous in astrophysical plasma
In this paper we investigate how the substantial admixture of weakly charged heavy ions affects the shock reformation process
We focus on the quasi-parallel configuration, which is preferential for ions acceleration via the 1 order Fermi mechanism [22]
Summary
Collisionless shocks, appearing on scales much less than the Coulomb mean free path, are ubiquitous in astrophysical plasma. It consists of the ions repeated reflections upstream and downstream the shock, which leads to energy gain due to the difference of scattering centers velocities. The self-reformation process for the pure hydrogen shocks have been thoroughly investigated by means of both numerical simulations [11,12,13,14] and in-situ solar wind observations [15], the reformation period being of order a few upstream proton gyrofrequencies, depending on shock parameters.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
