Nonlinear interaction of kinetic Alfvén wave with fast magnetosonic wave and turbulent spectrum

Abstract

In the present paper, authors have investigated nonlinear interaction of kinetic Alfvén wave (KAW) and fast magnetosonic wave for intermediate β-plasma (m_e/m_i≪β ≪1). Authors have developed the set of dimensionless equations in the presence of ponderomotive nonlinearity due to KAW in the dynamics of fast magnetosonic wave. Numerical simulation has been carried out to study the effect of nonlinear coupling and resulting turbulent/power spectrum for the different angles of propagation of fast magnetosonic wave applicable to solar wind at 1 AU. The localization of KAW has been found which becomes more complex as the angle of propagation of fast magnetosonic wave decreases. Results also reveal the steepening of power spectrum as the angle of propagation decreases which can be responsible for heating and acceleration of plasma particles in solar wind. Relevance of the obtained result is pointed out with observation received by Cluster spacecraft for the solar wind 1 AU.