Structure and dynamics of current sheets at Alfv{acute e}n resonances in a differentially rotating plasma

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998 · Physics of Plasmas

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.872902· OSTI ID:624851

Wang, X; Bhattacharjee, A; Ma, Z W ^[1]; Ren, C; Hegna, C C; Callen, J D ^[2]

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1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa52246 (United States)
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Johnson Drive, Madison, Wisconsin53706 (United States)

Alfv{acute e}n resonances, where the local flow speed relative to the boundary is equal to the local Alfv{acute e}n speed, introduce novel dynamical features in a differentially rotating plasma. The spatial structure and dynamics of current sheets in such plasmas is investigated analytically as well as numerically. The current sheets at Alfv{acute e}n resonances tend to power-law singularities. The growth of current sheets is algebraic in time in the linear regime and saturates in the presence of dissipation without the intervention of nonlinear effects. These results have significant implications for forced reconnection and Alfv{acute e}n wave dissipation in laboratory and space plasmas. {copyright} {ital 1998 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 624851
• Journal Information: Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 5; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
ALFVEN WAVES
DYNAMICS
PLASMA SHEET
RESONANCE
ROTATION