Magnetic Reconnection: A Modern Synthesis of Theory, Experiment, and Observations

by Masaaki Yamada

Overview

The essential introduction to magnetic reconnection—written by a leading pioneer of the field

Plasmas comprise more than 99 percent of the visible universe; and, wherever plasmas are, magnetic reconnection occurs. In this common yet incompletely understood physical process, oppositely directed magnetic fields in a plasma meet, break, and then reconnect, converting the huge amounts of energy stored in magnetic fields into kinetic and thermal energy. In Magnetic Reconnection, Masaaki Yamada offers an illuminating synthesis of modern research and advances on this important topic. Magnetic reconnection produces such phenomena as solar flares and the northern lights, and occurs in nuclear fusion devices. A better understanding of this crucial cosmic activity is essential to comprehending the universe and varied technological applications, such as satellite communications.

Most of our knowledge of magnetic reconnection comes from theoretical and computational models and laboratory experiments, but space missions launched in recent years have added up-close observation and measurements to researchers’ tools. Describing the fundamental physics of magnetic reconnection, Yamada links the theory with the latest results from laboratory experiments and space-based observations, including the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) and the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission. He concludes by considering outstanding problems and laying out a road map for future research.

Aimed at advanced graduate students and researchers in plasma astrophysics, solar physics, and space physics, Magnetic Reconnection provides cutting-edge information on a vital area of scientific investigation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691202419
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	04/19/2022
Series:	Princeton Series in Astrophysics , #47
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Masaaki Yamada is Distinguished Laboratory Research Fellow at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and head of the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

1 Introduction 1

1.1 Concept of magnetic reconnection and its development 1

1.2 Recent development and progress of understanding magnetic reconnection 7

1.3 Major questions 10

2 Magnetic reconnection observed in space and laboratory plasmas 14

2.1 Magnetic reconnection in solar flares 14

2.2 Magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere 21

2.3 Magnetic reconnection in self-organization in fusion plasmas 23

2.4 An observation of a prototypical reconnection layer in a laboratory experiment 28

3 Development of MHD theories for magnetic reconnection, and key observations in laboratory and space plasmas 30

3.1 Early history of MHD theory on magnetic reconnection 30

3.2 Description of plasma fluid in magnetic fields by MHD 32

3.3 The flux freezing principle and maintaining plasma equilibrium 33

3.4 Breakdown of flux freezing and magnetic reconnection 37

3.5 Resistive MHD theories and magnetic reconnection 38

3.6 Experimental analysis of the magnetic reconnection layer based on MHD models 46

4 Kinetic description of the reconnection layer: One-dimensional Harris equilibrium and an experimental study 55

4.1 One-dimensional Harris formulation and solutions 55

4.2 Theory of the generalized Harris sheet 56

4.3 Experimental investigation of the Harris sheet 59

4.4 Additional comments and discussion 63

5 Development of two-fluid theory for reconnection coordinated with key observations 65

5.1 Reconnection in the magnetosphere and two-fluid dynamics 65

5.2 Relationship between the two-fluid formulation and MHD 66

5.3 Development of particle-in-cell simulations 68

5.4 Results from two-dimensional numerical simulations for collisionless reconnection 69

5.5 Profile and characteristics of the two-fluid reconnection layer 77

5.6 Experimental observations of two-fluid effects in the reconnection layer 79

5.7 Observation of a two-scale reconnection layer with identification of the electron diffusion layer in a laboratory plasma 86

5.8 Waves in the reconnection layer and enhanced resistivity 89

6 Laboratory plasma experiments dedicated to the study of magnetic reconnection 98

6.1 Early laboratory experiments on reconnection 98

6.2 Experiments of toroidal plasma merging 102

6.3 Controlled driven reconnection experiments 109

6.4 Main facilities dedicated to reconnection study 116

7 Recent observations of magnetic reconnection in solar and astrophysical plasmas 117

7.1 Features of magnetic reconnection in solar flare eruptions 117

7.2 Development of the standard solar flare model and magnetic reconnection 119

7.3 Breakout model with a multipolar magnetic configuration 123

7.4 Magnetic reconnection occurs impulsively 127

7.5 A model of magnetic reconnection in the Crab Nebula 130

7.6 Notes on fast collisionless reconnection in space astrophysical plasmas 133

8 Recent observations of magnetic reconnection in space astrophysical plasmas 135

8.1 Magnetic reconnection layer in the magnetosphere 135

8.2 Observational studies of magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere with the aid of numerical simulations 137

8.3 Electron-scale measurements of the reconnection layer in the magnetopause 140

8.4 Electron-scale dynamics of the symmetric reconnection layer in the magneto tail 146

9 Magnetic self-organization phenomena in plasmas and global magnetic reconnection 150

9.1 Magnetic self-organization in plasmas 150

9.2 Magnetic self-organization in laboratory plasmas 152

9.3 Impulsive self-organization in space and laboratory plasmas 167

9.4 Magnetic self-organization in line-tied magnetic flux ropes: Laboratory study of solar flare eruption phenomena 167

10 Studies of energy conversion and flows in magnetic reconnection 177

10.1 Experimental study of magnetic energy conversion in the reconnection layer in a laboratory plasma 177

10.2 Experimental setup and plasma parameters 179

10.3 Electron flow dynamics studied by measured flow vectors 180

10.4 Observation of energy deposition on electrons and electron heating 181

10.5 Generation of an electric potential well in the two-fluid reconnection layer 184

10.6 Ion acceleration and heating in the two-fluid reconnection layer 187

10.7 Experimental study of the dynamics and the energetics of asymmetric reconnection 190

11 Analysis of energy flow and partitioning in the reconnection layer 198

11.1 Formulation for a quantitative study of energy flow in the reconnection layer 198

11.2 Analysis of energy flow in the two-fluid formulation 201

11.3 Experimental study of the energy inventory in two-fluid analysis 202

11.4 Particle-in-cell simulations for the MRX energetics experiments 205

11.5 A simple analytical model of energy conversion in the two-fluid reconnection layer 208

11.6 Summary and discussions on the energy inventory of the reconnection layer 212

12 Cross-discipline study of the two-fluid dynamics of magnetic reconnection in laboratory and magnetopause plasmas 214

12.1 Background of a collaborative study of two-fluid dynamics in the reconnection layer 214

12.2 Dynamics of the electron diffusion region and energy deposition measured by MRX 217

12.3 Dynamics of the electron diffusion region and energy deposition measured by MMS 218

12.4 Ion dynamics and energetics in MRX and the magnetosphere 222

13 The dynamo and the role of magnetic reconnection 223

13.1 Galactic magnetic fields and basic MHD theory 224

13.2 The Biermann battery dynamo 226

13.3 Research on dynamo effects in laboratory fusion plasmas 227

13.4 Effects of a two-fluid dynamo in an RFP plasma 229

14 Magnetic reconnection in large systems 232

14.1 Development of plasmoid theory 232

14.2 Effects of MHD turbulence on magnetic reconnection 236

14.3 Experimental status of magnetic reconnection research for a large system 240

14.4 Magnetic reconnection in a large system of electron-positron pair plasma 242

14.5 Impulsive reconnection in a large system 243

15 Summary and future prospects 245

15.1 Major findings from local analysis 245

15.2 Major findings from global analysis 247

15.3 Outstanding issues and future research 249

15.4 Closing remarks 250

Appendix A Basic description of waves by dispersion relationship equations 252

A.1 Basic description of waves in cold plasmas 252

A.2 The dispersion relation 254

Appendix B Plasma parameters for typical laboratory and natural plasmas 258

B.l Plasma parameter diagram 258

B.2 Typical plasma parameters and formulae 258

Appendix C Common notation 260

Bibliography 261

Index 281

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This highly informative and well-organized book is by a leading experimental plasma physicist who has worked on the topic for several decades. Magnetic Reconnection emphasizes the synergism between lab and space measurements, which is an important theme that could have a major impact on future space missions and experiments.”—Ellen Zweibel, University of Wisconsin–Madison

“This wonderful book looks at how our understanding of magnetic reconnection has developed from a classical concept based on magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) to a modern concept based on kinetic and two-fluid physics theory. Written by the longtime leader in the field, Magnetic Reconnection covers not only phenomena observed in laboratory and space plasmas, but also the role that reconnection plays in controlled nuclear fusion.”—Russell Kulsrud, Princeton University

“Magnetic Reconnection synthesizes important results gathered over six decades, particularly regarding two-fluid aspects of magnetic reconnection and laboratory experiments. It will be valuable for readers unfamiliar with the topic of magnetic reconnection, and interested in gaining an insight into two-fluid/kinetic physics.”—David Pontin, University of Newcastle

“Masaaki Yamada’s illuminating perspective shines through in this unique book on magnetic reconnection, a vital process in space and laboratory plasma physics.”—Jim Burch, vice president of the Southwest Research Institute and principal investigator of MMS