Full Particle-in-Cell Simulation of Two Colliding Shocks

We have performed one-dimensional full particle-in-cell simulations of two colliding shocks. Results of three simulation runs are examined in detail. In Run1 (Alfven Mach number MA~7.5, ion and electron beta βi,e=1, shock normal angle θBn=90), substantial acceleration of ions and modification of shock structure are observed when the two shocks collide. However, the electron acceleration is not evident. In Run2 (MA~7.5, βi,e=0.05, θBn=90), modification of the shock structure appears to be more drastic. In Run3 (MA~6.5, βi,e=0.05, θBn=60), electrons are accelerated to relativistic energies as they are repeatedly reflected by the two shocks.