Mohamad Shalaby

Plasma Astrophysicist | HAPI Research Associate

Research Projects

Exploring plasma physics, cosmic rays, and astrophysical phenomena through advanced computational methods

1

SHARP Code Development

As the primary developer of the SHARP code, I've created a highly accurate plasma dynamics simulator that enables previously intractable simulations of astrophysical plasmas.

High-Order Accuracy

Implemented up to 5th-order spline interpolation for field gathering and particle scattering, achieving three-order-of-magnitude improvement in energy conservation.

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Hybrid Framework

Integrated kinetic, ideal fluid, and Landau-fluid plasma descriptions in a unified framework for multi-scale astrophysical simulations.

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2

Cosmic Ray Research

My research here focuses on understanding the microphysics of cosmic ray transport and their significant impact on astrophysical environments, from the interstellar medium to galaxy clusters.

Intermediate-Scale Instability

Discovered a novel CR-driven instability that grows significantly faster than previously known instabilities, with profound implications for CR transport and electron acceleration.

Paper 1 Paper 2

Saturation mechanisms

Developing predictive frameworks for nonlinear saturation mechanisms of CR driven instabilities which dectate their transport.

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CR Transport Modeling

Developing predictive frameworks for CR transport that move beyond quasi-linear theory limitations, incorporating nonlinear saturation effects in realistic astrophysical conditions.

Galactic and stellar Feedback

Investigating how CRs drive galactic winds, regulate star formation, and contribute to anomalous ionization in molecular clouds through advanced plasma simulations.

3

Electron Acceleration at Shocks

Investigating electron and ion acceleration mechanisms in astrophysical shocks, from supernova remnants to intracluster medium, with emphasis on the role of plasma instabilities.

Parallel Shock Simulation

Visualization of plasma dynamics in parallel collisionless shocks with strong magnetization.

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Effect of ion-to-electron separation on energy dissipation at shocks

Study of how mass ratio variations affect shock dynamics and particle acceleration.

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Shock Obliquity Dependence

Systematically studying how magnetic field orientation affects electron acceleration efficiency in non-relativistic shocks.

Low Mach Number Shocks

Investigating electron acceleration in low Mach number shocks relevant to structure formation in the intracluster medium.

4

Beam-Plasma Instabilities

I investigate the nonlinear evolution of beam-plasma instabilities in diverse astrophysical environments, ranging from solar radio bursts to the intergalactic medium (IGM).

Specifically, within the IGM, these instabilities are critical for constraining the strength of intergalactic magnetic fields and may be responsible for substantial heating in the large, empty regions known as cosmic voids.

Nonlinear Saturation

Investigating the nonlinear saturation mechanisms of beam-plasma instabilities and their impact on cosmic magnetic field origins.

Paper 1

Inhomogeneous Background Effects

Demonstrated how density gradients can significantly enhance or suppress beam-plasma instabilities in realistic astrophysical environments.

Paper 1 Paper 2

Selected Publications

Complete list: Google Scholar