Conditions for Ion Reflection in a Large-Amplitude Magnetosonic Wave

Abstract

Ion orbits in a large-amplitude magnetosonic wave are studied numerically and analytically. The orbits are classified into three basic types. In the first type, ions pass through the wave without reflection and do not gain much energy. In the second type, they are reflected once and are accelerated in the direction of the wave normal. In the third type, they are reflected several times and are accelerated in the direction parallel to the wave front. Conditions for these types of reflection are discussed and the energies of accelerated ions are evaluated.