Forced magnetic reconnection

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Phys. Fluids; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.865247· OSTI ID:5398876

Hahm, T S; Kulsrud, R M

By studying a simple model problem, the time evolution of magnetic field islands which are induced by perturbing the boundary surrounding an incompressible plasma with a resonant surface inside is examined. The reconnection and island formation process for sufficiently small boundary perturbations occurs on the tearing mode time scale defined by Furth, Killeen, and Rosenbluth (Phys. Fluids 6, 459 (1963)). For larger perturbations the time scale is that defined by Rutherford (Phys. Fluids 16, 1903 (1973)). The resulting asymptotic equilibrium is such that surface currents in the resonant region vanish. A detailed analytical picture of this reconnection process is presented.

• Research Organization: Plasmas Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, P. O. Box 451, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH03073
• OSTI ID: 5398876
• Journal Information: Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 28:8; ISSN PFLDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700107* -- Fusion Energy-- Plasma Research-- Instabilities
DISTURBANCES
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC ISLANDS
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
RESONANCE
TEARING INSTABILITY
TIME DEPENDENCE