Kinematic reconnection at a magnetic null point: spine-aligned current

D. I. Pontin, G. Hornig, E. R. Priest

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    61 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Magnetic reconnection at a three-dimensional null point is the natural extension of the familiar two-dimensional X-point reconnection. A model is set up here for reconnection at a spiral null point, by solving the kinematic, steady, resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations in its vicinity. A steady magnetic field is assumed, as well as the existence of a localised diffusion region surrounding the null point. Outside the diffusion region the plasma and magnetic field move ideally. Particular attention is focussed on the way that the magnetic flux changes its connections as a result of the reconnection. The resultant plasma flows are found to be rotational in nature, as is the change in connections of the magnetic field lines.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)407-428
    Number of pages22
    JournalGeophysical & Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
    Volume98
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Oct 2004

    Keywords

    • Magnetic reconnection
    • Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
    • Magnetic flux
    • Magnetic null points
    • MHD

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