http://arxiv.org/abs/1505.04653
Classical Sweet-Parker models of reconnection predict that reconnection rates depend inversely on the resistivity, usually parameterized using the dimensionless Lundquist number ($\Lund$). We describe magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations using a static, nested grid that show the development of a three-dimensional instability in the plane of a current sheet between reversing field lines without a guide field. The instability leads to rapid reconnection of magnetic field lines at a rate independent of $\Lund$ over at least the range $3.2\times 10^3 \lesssim \Lund \lesssim 3.2 \times 10^5$ resolved by the simulations. We find that this instability occurs even for cases with $\Lund \lesssim 10^4$ that in our models appear stable to the recently described, two-dimensional, plasmoid instability. Our results suggest that three-dimensional, MHD processes alone produce fast (resistivity independent) reconnection without recourse to kinetic effects or external turbulence. The unstable reconnection layers provide a self-consistent environment in which the extensively studied turbulent reconnection process can occur.
J. Oishi, M. Low, D. Collins, et. al.
Tue, 19 May 15
62/78
Comments: 5 pages; 4 figures. Accepted to ApJL
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