Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations

Details Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations

Dec 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008agufmsm31a1697n&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2008, abstract #SM31A-1697

Physics

2723 Magnetic Reconnection (7526, 7835), 2748 Magnetotail Boundary Layers, 2752 Mhd Waves And Instabilities (2149, 6050, 7836), 2784 Solar Wind/Magnetosphere Interactions, 7863 Turbulence (4490)

Scientific paper

We have performed two-dimensional full particle (PIC) simulations to investigate the non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection (RX) and MHD-sale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI). Recently, the results from two-dimensional two-fluid (ion and electron) simulations have revealed that when the magnetic field components along the k-vector of KHI are anti-parallel across the velocity shear layer (anti-parallel case), RX driven by the flow of KHI at the non-linear stage strengthens the flow of KHI and a highly rolled-up KH vortex is formed. The non-linear coupling between RX and KHI can lead to the plasma mixing across the shear layer. In the two-fluid system, however, since the motion of particles is not considered the mixing process of plasmas cannot be accurately understood. The kinetic effects may also deliver additional dynamics to the coupling between RX and KHI. Thus, in this study we use full particle PIC simulations of MHD-scale KHI for the anti-parallel case. As a result, we found that both ions and electrons are mixed in the KH vortex on a time- scale of the growth of the vortex. Furthermore, we found that the RX process in the vortex produces the strong acceleration of electrons parallel and anti-parallel to the out-of-plane magnetic field. These plasma mixing and acceleration tend to appear around the edge of the vortex, because the edge of the vortex is filled with the reconnected field lines. This is the first study that investigates the non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale KHI using kinetic particle simulations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Non-linear coupling between magnetic reconnection and MHD-scale Kelvin-Helmholtz instability: Full particle simulations will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1095366