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A simple, analytical model of collisionless magnetic reconnection in a pair plasma

Phys. Plasmas 16, 102106 (2009); doi:10.1063/1.3246005

Published 15 October 2009

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Michael Hesse, Seiji Zenitani, Masha Kuznetsova, and Alex Klimas
Space Weather Laboratory, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 674, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA
A set of conservation equations is utilized to derive balance equations in the reconnection diffusion region of a symmetric pair plasma. The reconnection electric field is assumed to have the function to maintain the current density in the diffusion region and to impart thermal energy to the plasma by means of quasiviscous dissipation. Using these assumptions it is possible to derive a simple set of equations for diffusion region parameters in dependence on inflow conditions and on plasma compressibility. These equations are solved by means of a simple, iterative procedure. The solutions show expected features such as dominance of enthalpy flux in the reconnection outflow, as well as combination of adiabatic and quasiviscous heating. Furthermore, the model predicts a maximum reconnection electric field of E*=0.4, normalized to the parameters at the inflow edge of the diffusion region. ©2009 American Institute of Physics
History: Received 13 May 2009; accepted 18 September 2009; published 15 October 2009
Permalink: http://link.aip.org/link/?PHPAEN/16/102106/1
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KEYWORDS and PACS

Keywords
PACS
  • 52.30.Cv
    Plasma magnetohydrodynamics
  • 52.25.Fi
    Plasma transport properties
  • 52.25.Kn
    Thermodynamics of plasmas
  • YEAR: 2009

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PUBLICATION DATA

ISSN:
1070-664X (print)   1089-7674 (online)
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