Elsevier, High Energy Density Physics, (17), p. 175-182
DOI: 10.1016/j.hedp.2015.01.001
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The role of electron dynamics in the process of a collisionless shock formation is analyzed with particle-in-cell simulations, the test-particles method, and quasilinear theory. The model of electron stochastic heating in turbulent electromagnetic fields corresponding to the nonlinear stage of two-stream and Weibel instabilities is developed. The analysis of electron and field heating rates shows that the ion motion provides the energy supply for a significant continuous heating of electrons. Such a heating thus plays a role of a friction force for ions, leading to their deceleration and a shock formation.