Magnetohydrodynamic structure of a plasmoid in fast reconnection in low-beta plasmas: 2. Shock-shock interaction [SSA]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1503.01920


The shock structure of a plasmoid in magnetic reconnection in low-beta plasmas is investigated by two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations. Using a high-accuracy code with unprecedented resolution, shocks, discontinuities, and their intersections are resolved and clarified. Contact discontinuities emanate from triple-shock intersection points, separating fluids of different origins. Shock-diamonds inside the plasmoid appear to decelerate a supersonic flow. New shock-diamonds and a slow expansion fan are found inside the Petschek outflow. A sufficient condition for the new shock-diamonds and the relevance to astrophysical jets are discussed.

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S. Zenitani
Mon, 9 Mar 15
3/51

Comments: 18 pages, 6 figures