Shock identification and classification in 2D MHD compressible turbulence -- Orszag-Tang vortex

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to detect and classify different types of shocks in 2D compressible MHD turbulence, specifically applied to the Orszag-Tang vortex, revealing the dominance of fast and slow shocks and the conditions for intermediate shocks.

Contribution

It presents a novel shock detection and classification method for MHD turbulence, providing insights into shock type distributions and formation mechanisms.

Findings

Fast and slow shocks dominate the system.

Intermediate shocks are less frequent and occur near reconnection sites.

A potential mechanism for intermediate shock formation is proposed.

Abstract

Compressible magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence is a common feature of astrophysical systems such as the solar atmosphere and interstellar medium. Such systems are rife with shock waves that can redistribute and dissipate energy. For an MHD system, three broad categories of shocks exist (slow, fast or intermediate) however the occurrence rates of each shock type is not known for turbulent systems. Here we present a method for detecting and classifying the full range of MHD shocks applied to the Orszag-Tang vortex. Our results show that the system is dominated by fast and slow shocks, with far less frequent intermediate shocks appearing most readily near magnetic reconnection sites. We present a potential mechanism that could lead to the formation of intermediate shocks in MHD systems, and study the coherency and abundances of shocks in compressible MHD turbulence.