NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF MASS LOADING IN THE SOLAR-WIND INTERACTION WITH VENUS

Numerical simulations are performed in the framework of nonlinear two- dimensional magnetohydrodynamics to investigate the influence of mass loading on the solar wind interaction with Venus. The principal physic al features of the interaction of the solar wind with the atmosphere o f Venus are presented. The formation of the bow shock, the magnetic ba rrier, and the magnetotail are some typical features of the interactio n. The deceleration of the solar wind due to the mass loading near Ven us is an additional feature. The effect of the mass loading is to push the shock farther outward from the planet. The influence of different values of the magnetic field strength on plasma evolution is consider ed.