Three-dimensional simulations of magnetic reconnection in a dusty plasma
Abstract
We present the results of three-dimensional self-consistent multi-fluid simulations of magnetic reconnection in a dusty plasma. We ballistically relax a Harris-like current sheet into a fluid pseudo-equilibrium. We then perturb the current sheet with typical inflow and outflow velocities associated with classical models of reconnection. We find a 20% decrease in magnetic energy for the case of a locally enhanced resistivity. For a parameter-dependent resistivity we find a 26% decrease in magnetic energy in the current sheet. We find dust-neutral relative flow velocities that are a factor of two greater than the dust Alfvén velocity. We then explore the implications of these flows on aerodynamic drag heating of the dust particles.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Plasma Physics
- Pub Date:
- August 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1017/S0022377807006861
- Bibcode:
- 2008JPlPh..74..493L