Nonlinear evolution of double tearing mode in Hall magnetohydrodynamics

Journal Article · Tue Dec 15 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3276534· OSTI ID:21371312

Zhang, C L; Ma, Z W ^[1]

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1. Institute for Fusion Theory and Simulation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)

Nonlinear evolution of a double tearing mode for different plasma resistivities (eta) and ion inertial lengths (d{sub i}) is investigated using Hall magnetohydrodynamics simulations. In the Hall dominant regime, the magnetic field configuration in the reconnection region evolves from Y-type to X-type geometry, which leads to fast reconnection in the nonlinear growth phase. The maximum growth rate of total kinetic energy of plasma gamma{sub max} in the explosive growth phase is found to have a d{sub i}{sup 2/5}eta{sup 1/10} scaling and the maximum total kinetic energy (E{sub k}){sub max} scales as d{sub i}{sup 4/5}. In the regime with weak Hall effect, it is found that the elongated thin current sheet formed in the early phase is broken into two X-points, forming a magnetic island in the late stage, instead of shrinking to an X-type geometry.

• OSTI ID: 21371312
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 16; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
CHARGED PARTICLES
ENERGY
FLUID MECHANICS
HALL EFFECT
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTABILITY
IONS
KINETIC ENERGY
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC ISLANDS
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA SIMULATION
SIMULATION
TEARING INSTABILITY