Weakly multi-dimensional cosmic-ray-modified MHD shocks

Abstract

The multi-dimensional structure of weak, energetic-particle-modified shocks is investigated by means of appropriate perturbation techniques. The time-dependent shock-structure equation is found to be a generalized form of the well-known one-dimensional Burgers equation, whose steady state, in the absence of cosmic rays, is shown to be related to an equation modeling steady transonic flow in several dimensions. The time-dependent (1 + 2)- and (1 + 3)-dimensional Burgers equations are integrated exactly by means of Hirota's technique for one-shock solutions. On the basis of the exact solutions, a discussion relating the various length scales associated with the shock is presented.