Low-frequency mangnetosonic pulses in a two-ion-species plasma are studied
theoretically and by simulation with a one-dimensional electromagnetic simu
lation code based on a three-fluid model, with particular attention to the
dynamics of minority heavy ions. It is found that heavy ions can gain some
energy from the pulses. Because of this energy transfer, the pulses are dam
ped even if the plasma is collisionless and pulse propagation is perpendicu
lar to the magnetic field.