Simulations of High—Mach-Number Collisionless Perpendicular Shocks in Astrophysical Plasmas

Abstract

A problem of critical importance to space physics and astrophysics is the existence and properties of high—mach-number shocks. In this Letter we present the preliminary results of a simulation of a perpendicular shock with Alfvén Mach number 22. We show that for sufficiently small electron resistivity the dissipation for this shock is provided by a periodic, rather than time-stationary, reflection of ions. We discuss the problem of electron heating and the extension to higher Mach numbers.