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Field line reconnexion and magnetic energy release

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 March 2009

Tyan Yeh
Tyan Yeh
Affiliation:
Advanced Study Program, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
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Abstract

It is shown that an equilibrium of a magnetoplasma with a small separatrix angle at the magnetic neutral point possesses a greater magnetic energy than its corresponding equilibrium with a large separatrix angle. Hence, it is energetically possible for a configuration with two oppositely directed magnetic fields in contact to proceed to a potential field through the process of field line reconnexion. The excessive magnetic energy would be released into kinetic and thermal energies.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 11 , Issue 3 , June 1974 , pp. 411 - 422
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1974

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References

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