Three-dimensional modeling of relativistic collisionless ion-electron shocks

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) modeling of collisionless shocks has been of tremendous importance in understanding the physics of nonlinear evolution, momentum transfer, and particle acceleration, but current computer capacities have now reached a point where three-dimensional (3D) modeling is becoming feasible. We present the first 3D model of a fully developed and relaxed relativistic ion-electron shock, and analyze and compare it to similar 2D models. Quantitative and qualitative differences are found with respect to the 2D models. The shock jump conditions are naturally different, because of the extra degree of freedom, but in addition it is found that strong parallel electric fields develop at the shock interface, the level of magnetic field energy is lower, and the non-thermal particle distribution is shallower with a power-law index of ∼ 2.2. © 2011. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.