Three-dimensional kinematic reconnection of plasmoids with nullsThe global nonlinear dynamics of magnetic field lines in plasmoids with a pair of nulls, where B = 0, is studied. The aim of this analysis is to describe the separatrix surfaces on which singularities can occur in ideal magnetohydrodynamics because of topological changes in the field. These separatrix surfaces should locate the boundary layers associated with 3D reconnection in the presence of resistivity or inertia. It is found that the field lines exhibit chaotic scattering with several properties in common with plasmoid models without nulls (in which one component of the magnetic field never changes sign). In particular, the singular surfaces can be fractal, implying complex current density structures down to the dissipation scale. These generic features are expected to exist in typical coronal magnetic geometries exhibiting three-dimensional reconnection and the formation of current sheets.
Document ID
19930055886
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Lau, Yun-Tung (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Finn, John M. (Maryland Univ. College Park, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: In: Electromechanical coupling of the solar atmosphere; Proceedings of the OSL Workshop, Capri, Italy, May 27-31, 1991 (A93-39876 15-92)
IDRelationTitle19930055879Collected WorksElectromechanical coupling of the solar atmosphere; Proceedings of the OSL Workshop, Capri, Italy, May 27-31, 1991