Magnetic field dissipation and fractal model of current sheets

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872155· OSTI ID:467294

Yankov, V V ^[1]

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1. Department of Technology, Euratom-NFR Fusion Association, Uppsala University, Box 534, 751 21 Uppsala (Sweden)

A model of magnetic field dissipation is suggested, which possesses features of both the Kolmogorov model of turbulence of ideal fluid and the Sweet{endash}Parker model of magnetic reconnection. It is suggested that current sheets are smooth along the magnetic lines but have fractal structure in the transverse dimension. The fractal dimension d=2.5 of the current sheet was found instead of d=3 in Kolmogorov-like models and d=2 in the Sweet{endash}Parker model. The reconnection time is the geometrical mean of the Alfv{acute e}n time and the Sweet{endash}Parker time. The magnetic energy dissipation time can be even shorter, up to the Alfv{acute e}n time. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 467294
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 4; ISSN 1070-664X; ISSN PHPAEN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ALFVEN WAVES
FRACTALS
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
PLASMA FLUID EQUATIONS
PLASMA WAVES
TURBULENCE