Greifswald 2024 – scientific programme

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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik

P 4: Astrophysical Plasmas/Laser Plasmas

P 4.2: Talk

Monday, February 26, 2024, 14:30–14:45, WW 1: HS

Kinetic simulations of strong non-relativistic shocks propagating in a turbulent medium — •Karol Fulat¹, Artem Bohdan^2,3, Michelle Tsirou⁴, and Martin Pohl^1,4 — ¹Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany — ²Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik, Boltzmannstr. 2, D-85748 Garching, Germany — ³Excellence Cluster ORIGINS, Boltzmannstr. 2, D-85748 Garching, Germany — ⁴Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Platanenallee 6, D-15738 Zeuthen, Germany

Strong non-relativistic shocks are known to accelerate particles up to relativistic energies. However, for Diffusive Shock Acceleration electrons must have a highly suprathermal energy, implying a need for very efficient pre-acceleration. Most published studies consider shocks propagating through homogeneous plasma, which is an unrealistic assumption for astrophysical environments. To address this limitation, we have developed a novel simulation technique that provides a framework for studying shocks propagating in turbulent media from first principles. We have performed PIC simulations of non-relativistic high-Mach-number shocks propagating in an electron-ion plasma with a turbulent upstream medium. We have explored the impact of the fluctuations on electron heating and acceleration, the dynamics of upstream electrons, and the driving of plasma instabilities. We will also discuss our recent results from oblique shock simulations.

Keywords: shocks; particle acceleration; plasma astrophysics; computational methods; supernova remnants