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Torsional magnetic reconnection: The effects of localizing the non-ideal (ηJ) term

Wyper, P.; Jain, R.

Authors

R. Jain



Abstract

Magnetic reconnection in three dimensions (3D) is a natural extension from X-point reconnection in two dimensions. Of central importance in the 3D process is a localized non-ideal region within which the plasma and magnetic field decouple allowing for field line connectivity change. In practice, localized current structures provide this localization; however, mathematically a similar effect can be achieved with the localization of plasma resistivity instead. Physically though, such approaches are unrealistic, as anomalous resistivity requires very localized currents. Therefore, we wish to know how much information is lost in localizing η instead of current? In this work we develop kinematic models for torsional spine and fan reconnection using both localized η and localized current and compare the non-ideal flows predicted by each. We find that the flow characteristics are dictated almost exclusively by the form taken for the current profile with η acting only to scale the flow. We do, however, note that the reconnection mechanism is the same in each case. Therefore, from an understanding point of view, localized η models are still important first steps into exploring the role of non-ideal effects.

Citation

Wyper, P., & Jain, R. (2011). Torsional magnetic reconnection: The effects of localizing the non-ideal (ηJ) term. Journal of Plasma Physics, 77(06), 843-855. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022377811000262

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Jun 13, 2011
Publication Date 2011-12
Deposit Date Oct 18, 2016
Journal Journal of Plasma Physics
Print ISSN 0022-3778
Electronic ISSN 1469-7807
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 77
Issue 06
Pages 843-855
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022377811000262
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1395192