Journal of Plasma Physics

Table of Contents - 1981 - Volume 25, Issue 01  

Research Article

Magnetic field reconnexion in a sheared field

Masayuki Ugaia1

a1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790, Japan

Abstract

The present paper numerically studies a nonlinear development of the Petschek mode in a sheared magnetic field where there is a field component Bz along an X line. It is found that finite-amplitude intermediate waves, adjacent to the slow shock, may eventually stand in the quasi-steady configuration; on the other hand, the fundamental characteristics of the Petschek-mode development are scarcely influenced, either qualitatively or quantitatively, by the Bz field.

(Received February 22 1980)

(Revised July 21 1980)