Evolution of particle acceleration and instabilities in galaxy cluster shocks

Abstract

When galaxy clusters interact, the intergalactic gas collides, forming shocks that are characterized by a low sonic Mach number (~3) but a comparatively high Alfvenic Mach number (~30). Such shocks behave differently from the more common astrophysical shocks, which tend to have higher sonic Mach numbers. We wish to determine whether these shocks, despite their low sonic Mach number, are capable of accelerating particles and thereby contributing to the cosmic ray spectrum. Using the PIC-MHD method, which separates the gas into a thermal and a non-thermal component to increase computational efficiency, and relying on existing PIC simulations to determine the rate at which non-thermal particles are injected in the shock, we investigate the evolution of galaxy cluster shocks and their ability to accelerate particles. Depending on the chosen injection fraction of non-thermal particles into the shock, we find that even low-Mach shocks are capable of accelerating particles. However, the interaction between supra-thermal particles and the local magnetic field triggers instabilities and turbulence in the magnetic field. This causes the shock to weaken, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of the supra-thermal particle injection. We investigate how this influences the shock evolution by reducing the particle injection rate and energy and find that a reduction of the particle injection fraction at this stage causes an immediate reduction of both upstream and downstream instabilities. This inhibits particle acceleration. Over time, as the instabilities fade, the shock surface straightens, allowing the shock to recover. Eventually, we would expect this to increase the efficiency of the particle injection and acceleration to previous levels, starting the same series of events in an ongoing cycle of increasing and decreasing particle acceleration.