Simulation of collisionless shocks in plasmas with high metallicity

TL;DR

This paper presents hybrid simulations of collisionless shocks in high metallicity plasmas, revealing how heavy ions influence shock reformation, turbulence, and magnetic field amplification.

Contribution

It demonstrates the impact of high metallicity on shock structure, turbulence, and magnetic field amplification in collisionless plasma shocks.

Findings

Self-reformation occurs regardless of composition.

Heavy ions alter reformation period and wave spectrum.

Magnetic field amplification is stronger with high metallicity.

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.