We present the results of 2D and 3D magnetohydrodynamical numerical simulations of relativistic magnetic reconnection, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of the plasma in a Petschek-type configuration with high Lundquist numbers, S˜ 105-108. The numerical scheme adopted, allowing for unprecedented accuracy for this type of calculations, is based on high-order finite volume and discontinuous Galerkin methods as recently proposed by Dumbser & Zanotti. The possibility of producing high Lorentz factors is discussed, showing that Lorentz factors close to ˜4 can be produced for a plasma parameter σm= 20. Moreover, we find that the Sweet-Parker layers are unstable, generating secondary magnetic islands, but only for S > Sc˜ 108, much larger than what is reported in the Newtonian regime. Finally, the effects of a mildly anisotropic Ohm's law are considered in a configuration with a guide magnetic field. Such effects produce only slightly faster reconnection rates and Lorentz factors of about 1 per cent larger with respect to the perfectly isotropic Ohm's law.
Numerical simulations of high Lundquist number relativistic magnetic reconnection / Zanotti, Olindo; Dumbser, Michael. - In: MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY. - ISSN 0035-8711. - STAMPA. - 418:2(2011), pp. 1004-1011. [10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19551.x]
Titolo: | Numerical simulations of high Lundquist number relativistic magnetic reconnection | |
Autori: | Zanotti, Olindo; Dumbser, Michael | |
Autori Unitn: | ||
Titolo del periodico: | MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY | |
Anno di pubblicazione: | 2011 | |
Numero e parte del fascicolo: | 2 | |
Codice identificativo Scopus: | 2-s2.0-81355127349 | |
Codice identificativo WOS: | WOS:000297987400024 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19551.x | |
Handle: | http://hdl.handle.net/11572/88336 | |
Citazione: | Numerical simulations of high Lundquist number relativistic magnetic reconnection / Zanotti, Olindo; Dumbser, Michael. - In: MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY. - ISSN 0035-8711. - STAMPA. - 418:2(2011), pp. 1004-1011. [10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19551.x] | |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 03.1 Articolo su rivista (Journal article) |
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