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]

Numerical simulations of high Lundquist number relativistic magnetic reconnection

Zanotti, Olindo;Dumbser, Michael
2011-01-01

Abstract

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.
2011
2
Zanotti, Olindo; Dumbser, Michael
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]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11572/88336
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