  We conduct two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations to investigate the
scattering of electron heat flux by self-generated oblique electromagnetic
waves. The heat flux is modeled as a bi-kappa distribution with a T_parallel >
T_perp temperature anisotropy maintained by continuous injection at the
boundaries. The anisotropic distribution excites oblique whistler waves and
filamentary-like Weibel instabilities. Electron velocity distributions taken
after the system has reached a steady state show that these in stabilities
inhibit the heat flux and drive the total distributions towards isotropy.
Electron trajectories in velocity space show a circular-like diffusion along
constant energy surfaces in the wave frame. The key parameter controlling the
scattering rate is the average speed, or drift speed vd, of the heat flux
compared with the electron Alfven speed vAe, with higher drift speeds producing
stronger fluctua tions and a more significant reduction of the heat flux.
Reducing the density of the electrons carrying the heat flux by 50% does not
significantly affect the scattering rate. A scaling law for the electron
scattering rate versus vd/vAe is deduced from the simulations. The implications
of these results for understanding energetic electron transport during solar
flare energy release are discussed.
