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Numerical studies of magnetic field annihilation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

J. C. Stevenson
J. C. Stevenson
Affiliation:
Department of Mathematics, C. W. Post Center, Long Island University
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Abstract

The behaviour of a plasma permeated by a magnetic field, where the field possessess a hyperbolic neutural point, is considered. Results from numerical solutions of the magnetohydrodynamic formulation for such flows are reported. Problems are posed with the solar flare models of Dungey, Sweet & Petschek in mind. No evidence is found to support the idea that compression of the field lines near a hyperbolic null, in the presence of electrical resistance, can radically alter the geometry of those field lines (e.g. the formation of switch-off shocks). These computations do show that, for large values of the magnetic Reynolds number, a rate of annihilation, more rapid than that derived from order-of-magnitude estimates, is possible.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , April 1972 , pp. 293 - 311
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1972

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References

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