Reconnection in two dimensions: Localization of vorticity and current near magnetic X‐points
Author:
- William H. MatthaeusWMWilliam H. Matthaeus
- 1 June 1982
- journal article
- Published by American Geophysical Union (AGU) in Geophysical Research Letters
- Vol. 9 (6) , 660-663
Abstract
Simulations of reconnection utilizing spectral methods show that the “reconnection zone” exhibits internal structure in the form of a current filament and a “quadrupole” of kinetic vorticity. A qualitative model of the dynamical role of these local structures is presented. It is suggested that the effect of small scale structures near the X‐point is to increase the rate of reconnection.Keywords
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- Computer Simulation of a Geomagnetic SubstormPhysical Review Letters, 1981
- Nonlinear evolution of the sheet pinchJournal of Plasma Physics, 1981
- High-beta turbulence in two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamicsJournal of Plasma Physics, 1976
- On the re-connexion of magnetic field lines in conducting fluidsJournal of Plasma Physics, 1970
- Magnetic-field re-connexion in a highly conducting incompressible fluidJournal of Plasma Physics, 1970
- Finite-Resistivity Instabilities of a Sheet PinchPhysics of Fluids, 1963
- Sweet's mechanism for merging magnetic fields in conducting fluidsJournal of Geophysical Research, 1957
- Magnetic and Electric Phenomena in the Sun's Atmosphere associated with SunspotsMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1947