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Evidence for a singularity in ideal magneto hydrodynamics: Implications for fast reconnection

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Axel Brandenburg

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Abstract

Numerical evidence for a finite-time singularity in ideal 3D magnetohydrodynamics is presented. The simulations start from two interlocking magnetic flux rings with no initial velocity. Curvature shrinks the rings until they touch and current sheets form between them. The evidence for a singularity in a finite time tc is that the peak current density behaves like ||J||∞ ∼ 1/(tc - t) for a range of sound speeds and initial conditions. For the incompressible calculations ||ω||∞/||J||∞ → const. In resistive reconnection the magnetic helicity is nearly conserved while energy is dissipated.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Kerr RM, Brandenburg A

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Physical Review Letters

Year: 1999

Volume: 83

Issue: 6

Pages: 1155-1158

Print publication date: 09/08/1999

ISSN (print): 0031-9007

ISSN (electronic): 1079-7114

Publisher: American Physical Society

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.1155

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.83.1155

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