Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability

Details Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability

Nov 2002

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002aps..dppkp1023k&link_type=abstract

American Physical Society, 44th Annual Meeting of the Division of Plasma , abstract #KP1.023

Physics

Plasma Physics

Scientific paper

Results are presented from a continuing study of magnetic reconnection caused by the evolution of a Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. To date we have studied 3-D compressible, subsonic and and sub-Alfvenic flow, with differential rotation (a gradient in vorticity parallel to the initial magnetic field) [1,2], as well as 2-D incompressible super-Alfvenic flow [3]. In both cases localized transient reconnection is observed on the Kelvin-Helmholtz time scale, and results indicate that the observed reconnection rate is insensitive to resistivity. In the present study we extend both the 2-D and the 3-D results found in [1,2,3]. In the extension of the 2-D work we focus on the fundamental differences in the nonlinear evolution of a low S simulation (S = 200) and a higher S simulation (S = 10,000). In the 3-D work we study the effects of a density discontinuity (present in [1] and not in [2]), along with study the effects of initial curved field lines in the absence of differential rotation. This basic plasma physics problem has possible application to dayside magnetosphere reconnection as a theoretical model for flux transfer events [1]. The general problem also has possible application to solar physics as it could provide a trigger mechanism for some class of coronal mass ejections. Both applications will be briefly discussed. [1] J.U. Brackbill and D.A. Knoll, Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 86 (2001). [2] D.A. Knoll and J.U. Brackbill, Physics of Plasmas, to appear (2002) [3] D.A. Knoll and L. Chacon, Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 88 (2002).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability 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 Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic Reconnection and the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-736116