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Momentum transport near a magnetic X line in collisionless reconnectionPlasma dynamics and momentum transport near an X line during time-dependent magnetic reconnection in a collisionless plasma are investigated based on two-dimensional particle simulations. We find that a weakly skewed velocity distribution is formed near the magnetic X line, leading to the presence of off-diagonal elements of the plasma pressure tensor. Let the reconnection electric field be in the y direction. The gradients of the off-diagonal elements of the pressure tensor can provide a transport of the y momentum. During the normal magnetic reconnection, the momentum transport associated with the off-diagonal terms of the pressure tensor mediates a transfer of the y momentum from the region near the X line to regions outside the X line. A period of 'reverse magnetic reconnection,' during which the plasma kinetic energy is converted into magnetic energy, is also observed in the simulation. When reverse reconnection occurs, the gradients of the off-diagonal pressure tensor elements can mediate a transfer of y momentum into the X line. It is found that the inertial term also plays a significant role in the force balance near the magnetic X line. An explanation for the origin of the off-diagonal pressure terms is also given in this paper.
Document ID
19950038006
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Cai, H. J.
(University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK United States)
Ding, D. Q.
(University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK United States)
Lee, L. C.
(University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 99
Issue: A1
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Accession Number
95A69605
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1504
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-FG06-91ER-13530
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-11509
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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