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On Steady Magnetic-Field Reconnection

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/152043· OSTI ID:4390608
Magnetic-field reconnection may be essential in a variety of solar and astrophysical phenomena, and there has been much debate as to the maximum allowable rate of reconnection. Petschek's mechanism, for instance, permits a maximum rate of about one-tenth of the Alfven speed, uA, but is probably unworkable. Yeh and Axford, on the other hand, have recently claimed that any rate is possible up to uA. A more careful matching of the internal and external regions in Yeh and Axford's mechanism is here performed, with the conclusion that the highest rate of reconnection is about uA/18.
Research Organization:
High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
NSA Number:
NSA-29-001241
OSTI ID:
4390608
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal, Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal Vol. 181; ISSN 0004-637X
Publisher:
Institute of Physics (IOP)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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