Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009jgra..11402222o&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 114, Issue A2, CiteID A02222
Physics
Plasma Physics
3
Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetic Reconnection (7526, 7835), Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetosheath, Interplanetary Physics: Planetary Bow Shocks, Magnetospheric Physics: Numerical Modeling, Space Plasma Physics: Shock Waves (4455)
Scientific paper
Interaction of solar wind tangential discontinuities (TDs) with the bow shock may initiate reconnection in the magnetosheath. We employ 2.5-D electromagnetic, hybrid simulations that treat the ions kinetically via particle-in-cell methods and the electrons as a massless fluid to study this interaction. We present results from eight runs corresponding to TD thicknesses ranging from 10 to 260 ion skin depths and shear angles ranging from 120° to 180°. Our results indicate a transition from time-dependent to steady state reconnection as the thickness of the solar wind TD increases above 30 ion skin depths. As the shear angle in the magnetic field decreases, it takes longer to initiate reconnection, and reconnection jet speeds diminish, suggesting a lower reconnection rate. Implications of these results for magnetic reconnection at currents sheets in general and at the magnetopause in particular are also discussed.
Omidi Nojan
Phan Tuoc
Sibeck David G.
No associations
LandOfFree
Hybrid simulations of magnetic reconnection initiated in the magnetosheath 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 Hybrid simulations of magnetic reconnection initiated in the magnetosheath, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hybrid simulations of magnetic reconnection initiated in the magnetosheath will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-919416