Model for magnetic reconnection
A forced reconnection problem was modeled by two infinite wires that are embedded in a plasma which carry parallel currents. They are brought together at a specified rate. The distance between the wires is taken as 2a(1-e/sup ..omega..t/). For small displacements, the hydromagnetic equations can be linearized and solved asymptotically. For larger displacements, the plasma behavior can be estimated by use of scaling arguments. We determine a local velocity of magnetic reconnection and show that it is essentially equal to the maximum possible reconnection velocity (that of the corresponding vacuum case) up to the time when this velocity approaches the local Alfven speed. We compare the details of our solution with the Sweet-Parker and Petschek reconnection theories.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Univ., N.J. (USA). Plasma Physics Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-02-3073
- OSTI ID:
- 5034388
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-1425
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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