Three-dimensional time-dependent fieldline reconnection

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5174460

Semenov, V S; Vasil'ev, E P

By specifying (a) the shape and motion of the reconnection line and (b) the electric field E in the diffusion zone as functions of time, we obtain a three-dimensional, time-dependent solution to Petschek's problem of magnetic-fieldline reconnection. A schematic outline of the reconnection process is suggested, relying on certain concepts as to the generation of the field E, the Alfven-wave propagation along the current sheet, and the breakup of an arbitrary MHD discontinuity. Petschek's criterion dictates the constraints which the diffusion-zone size imposes on the reconnection intensity. The parameters of the emission region (an auroral bulge in the ionosphere, the filaments in a solar flare) are crucial for the reconnection process.

• Research Organization: Polar Geophysics Institute, Leningrad University
• OSTI ID: 5174460
• Journal Information: Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Astron. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 29:2; ISSN SAAJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
640430 -- Fluid Physics-- Magnetohydrodynamics
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS
SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND SUPERFLUIDITY
ALFVEN WAVES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA
PLASMA WAVES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR FLARES
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TIME DEPENDENCE