Simulation of Heavy Ion Dynamics in a Magnetic Reconnection

We use a 2-dimensional hybrid code (fluid electrons and particle ions) to simulate a magnetic reconnection and include the effects of heavy ions. The time evolution of the Harris plasma sheet is examined under nearly the same initial conditions as those of the GEM Magnetic Reconnection Challenge project with heavy ions included. We find that distribution of the heavy ions is different from that of protons in both real space and velocity space after the reconnection occurs. In real space, the density ratio of heavy ions to protons is higher in the vicinity of the reconnection region. In velocity space, distribution function of protons has double peak structure. As they are ejected, protons are heated and thermalized. It is found that minority heavy ions gain kinetic energy in the direction perpendicular to the simulation plane in the reconnection region.