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Nonstochastic prompt proton acceleration by fast magnetosonic shocks in the solar plasma

Journal Article · · Astrophys. J.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/164983· OSTI ID:6465271

Theoretical and numerical analyses are carried out for plasma heating and proton acceleration (V x B) due to magnetosonic shock waves (MSW) in the solar plasma. A simple model is developed for V x B acceleration by examining a single-particle orbit in a high-amplitude monochromatic electrostatic wave moving in a direction perpendicular to an external magnetic field. The particle can attain the E x B drift velocity. The model is used to derive the maximum velocity a particle can attain when driven by quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular MSW. Acceleration is found to be significantly stronger witn the latter, as is demonstrated with results of a 2.5 dimension simulation of acceleration by a quasi-perpendicular MSW. Implications of the results for modeling coronal heating and proton acceleration by MSWs produced by solar flares are discussed. 39 references.

Research Organization:
Nagoya Univ., Japan; Toyama Univ., Japan
OSTI ID:
6465271
Journal Information:
Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 313; ISSN ASJOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English