Abstract
We examine the dynamics of turbulent reconnection in two-dimensional and three-dimensional reduced MHD by calculating the effective dissipation due to coupling between small-scale fluctuations and large-scale magnetic fields. Sweet-Parker type balance relations are then used to calculate the global reconnection rate. Two approaches are employed - quasi-linear closure and an eddy-damped fluid model. Results indicate that despite the presence of turbulence, the reconnection rate remains inversely proportional to √Rem, as in the Sweet-Parker analysis. In two-dimensions, the global reconnection rate is shown to be enhanced over the Sweet-Parker result by a factor of magnetic Mach number. These results are the consequences of the constraint imposed on the global reconnection rate by the requirement of mean-square magnetic potential balance. The incompatibility of turbulent fluid-magnetic energy equipartition and stationarity of mean-square magnetic potential is demonstrated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1052-1065 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
| Volume | 556 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
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- Magnetic fields
- MHD
- Turbulence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science