A simple, analytical model of collisionless magnetic reconnection in a pair plasma

Journal Article · Thu Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3246005· OSTI ID:21272701

Hesse, Michael; Zenitani, Seiji; Kuznetsova, Masha; Klimas, Alex ^[1]

---

1. Space Weather Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 674, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 (United States)

A set of conservation equations is utilized to derive balance equations in the reconnection diffusion region of a symmetric pair plasma. The reconnection electric field is assumed to have the function to maintain the current density in the diffusion region and to impart thermal energy to the plasma by means of quasiviscous dissipation. Using these assumptions it is possible to derive a simple set of equations for diffusion region parameters in dependence on inflow conditions and on plasma compressibility. These equations are solved by means of a simple, iterative procedure. The solutions show expected features such as dominance of enthalpy flux in the reconnection outflow, as well as combination of adiabatic and quasiviscous heating. Furthermore, the model predicts a maximum reconnection electric field of E{sup *}=0.4, normalized to the parameters at the inflow edge of the diffusion region.

• OSTI ID: 21272701
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 16; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CURRENT DENSITY
DIFFUSION
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ENTHALPY
ITERATIVE METHODS
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
PLASMA