Reconnection of magnetic field lines in a turbulent flow

Journal Article · Sun Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1993 · Physics of Fluids B; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.860931· OSTI ID:7056451

Kleva, R G ^[1]

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1. Laboratory for Plasma Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-3511 (United States)

The effect of a turbulent flow on the rate of reconnection of magnetic field lines by a tearing instability is calculated numerically. The reconnection rate is shown to be reduced by the turbulent flow. The turbulent flow transfers energy from the growing tearing instability into shorter wavelength electromagnetic modes that are stable, thereby reducing the rate of reconnection of magnetic field lines by the longer wavelength tearing instability. The numerical results presented contradict the prediction of a turbulence theory of Diamond [ital et] [ital al]. [Phys. Fluids [bold 27], 1449 (1984)] that a turbulent flow causes an anomalous diffusivity (resistivity) which increases the growth rate of tearing modes.

• OSTI ID: 7056451
• Journal Information: Physics of Fluids B; (United States), Journal Name: Physics of Fluids B; (United States) Vol. 5:3; ISSN 0899-8221; ISSN PFBPEI
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700340* -- Plasma Waves
Oscillations
& Instabilities-- (1992-)
DIFFUSION
FLUID FLOW
INHOMOGENEOUS PLASMA
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
MAGNETIC RECONNECTION
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
PLASMA
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MACROINSTABILITIES
PLASMA SIMULATION
SIMULATION
TEARING INSTABILITY
TURBULENT FLOW