Particle simulations of non collisional shocks

A non collisional magneto-sonic shock (such as the ones taking place at planetary magnetosphere up-stream) results mainly from a compromise between three effects: non linear deepening effects (wave breaking), dispersion effects and dissipation effects. The shock macroscopic characteristics vary in a large extent as a function of the propagation conditions, the shock amplitude (Alfvenic Mach number) and the upstream plasma conditions. In order to determine which effect is preponderant, it is necessary to describe the various resistive and/or viscous energy dissipation sources and their consequences on the shock structure, based on the non-linear wave-particle interactions