A generalized Petschek magnetic reconnection rate
- Centre for Fusion, Space and Astrophysics, Physics Department, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL (United Kingdom)
Simple physical arguments show that a generalization of the basic Petschek reconnection rate allows it to be extended to the Hall magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) rate. This result is confirmed by direct numerical simulations of the compressible fluid equations. To ensure that Petschek reconnection is obtained we specify a localized resistivity. The new generalized reconnection rate therefore gives an accurate estimate of the unforced Petschek reconnection rate for both MHD and Hall MHD. Since the Hall Petschek rate does not vanish in the limit of zero resistivity this generalized rate may also give the collisionless Hall Petschek reconnection rate.
- OSTI ID:
- 20860354
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 13; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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