Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufmsh51a1985g&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #SH51A-1985
Physics
Plasma Physics
[0654] Electromagnetics / Plasmas, [2723] Magnetospheric Physics / Magnetic Reconnection, [7526] Solar Physics, Astrophysics, And Astronomy / Magnetic Reconnection, [7831] Space Plasma Physics / Laboratory Studies And Experimental Techniques
Scientific paper
Magnetic Field Line reconnection is still considered, by some, to be one of the most important topics in plasma physics. The subject has been static for decades but now with computers powerful enough and experiments capable of acquiring 3D the topic is undergoing a Renaissance. One reason is most of the models for it are still two dimensional. We report on experiments in which fully 3D reconnection plays a role. On the sun and in other astrophysical situations multiple flux ropes are often present. We report evidence of reconnection and the existence of quasi separatrix layers (QSL) in an experiment involving three magnetic flux ropes. They are generated from initially adjacent, pulsed current channels in a reproducible, repetitively pulsed background magneto-plasma (L = 16 m, ω pe/Ω e ˜ 20, Helium fill gas, B0z = 330 G, plasma diameter ˜ 100 ρ i). The currents exert mutual J ± B forces causing them to twist about each other and merge. Volumetric space-time data show multiple reconnection sites with time-dependent locations. A QSL is a narrow region between the flux ropes in which reconnection occurs. Two field lines on either side of the QSL will have closely spaced foot-points at one end of the flux ropes but rapidly diverge from one another as they traverse the reconnection region. Quasi-separatrix layers are calculated and also are found to be fully three dimensional and time dependent. These measurements will be discussed in the context of solar physics and astrophysical situations. Work done at the Basic Plasma Science Facility at UCLA funded by NSF/DOE.
Gekelman W. N.
Pribyl Patrick
Van Compernolle B.
No associations
LandOfFree
Study of quasi separatrix layer formation in the interaction of three magnetic flux ropes 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 Study of quasi separatrix layer formation in the interaction of three magnetic flux ropes, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Study of quasi separatrix layer formation in the interaction of three magnetic flux ropes will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-880597