Computer studies on the spontaneous fast reconnection mechanism in three dimensions

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.871789· OSTI ID:278983

Ugai, M; Shimizu, T ^[1]

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1. Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790 (Japan)

The spontaneous evolution of fast reconnection is studied in three dimensions by extending (in the {ital z} direction) the previous two-dimensional model that considered only the {ital x}-{ital y} plane [M. Ugai, Phys. Fluids B {bold 4}, 2953 (1992)]. It is demonstrated that the reconnection development strongly depends on three-dimensional effects; only when the central current sheet is sufficiently long in the {ital z} direction, say more than a few times larger than the current sheet width, the fast reconnection mechanism fully develops by the self-consistent coupling between the global reconnection flow and the current-driven anomalous resistivity. In this case, the reconnection flow can grow so powerfully as to enhance the current density (the current-driven resistivity) locally near an {ital X} line; otherwise, such a vital reconnection flow cannot be caused. The resulting quasisteady fast reconnection mechanism is significantly confined in the {ital z} direction, where a strong (Alfv{acute e}nic) plasma jet results from standing switch-off shocks; accordingly, a large-scale plasmoid is formed and propagates in the middle of the system. It is concluded that the well-known two-dimensional spontaneous fast reconnection model can reasonably be extended to three dimensions. {copyright} {ital 1996 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 278983
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 3; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
PLASMA JETS
PLASMA SIMULATION
PLASMOIDS
SOLAR FLARES