Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005agufmsm23b0435q&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2005, abstract #SM23B-0435
Physics
2723 Magnetic Reconnection (7526, 7835), 2724 Magnetopause And Boundary Layers, 2753 Numerical Modeling, 2772 Plasma Waves And Instabilities (2471)
Scientific paper
Our computer simulations and linear studies have shown that the presence of even a small electron anisotropy can strongly influence both the linear and nonlinear development of reconnection. In particular, it is well established that even a small thermal electron anisotropy parallel to the magnetic field can stabilize tearing mode growth, while a small perpendicular anisotropy can yield large enhancements. More recently we have shown that moderate ion anisotropies can also enhance the reconnection rate, particularly when the perpendicular temperature exceeds the parallel. Given that perpendicular ion anisotropies are routinely observed at the dayside magnetopause, it is important to further quantify this effect and establish its importance to reconnection. Observations show a correlation of ion anisotropy with plasma beta, so it would also be useful to determine which effect (anisotropy or plasma beta) is dominant in influencing the reconnection rate. Here we re-examine the linear stability of a bi-Maxwellian Harris equilibrium assuming thermal anisotropies in both electrons and ions. In particular, we derive approximate analytic expressions for bound tearing-like perturbations, and show that the predicted eigenfunctions and growth rates are in reasonable agreement with those of our linearized Vlasov solver. Limits of propagation parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field will be considered, and the effects of plasma beta will be included.
Daughton William
Karimabadi Homa
Quest Kevin B.
No associations
LandOfFree
On linear theory of ion anisotropy instabilities in a current sheet 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 On linear theory of ion anisotropy instabilities in a current sheet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On linear theory of ion anisotropy instabilities in a current sheet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-762446