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.
Author(s): Masaaki Yamada
Series: Princeton Series in Astrophysics, 47
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 318
City: Princeton
Cover
Contents
Preface
1. Introduction
1.1 Concept of magnetic reconnection and its development
1.2 Recent development and progress of understanding magnetic reconnection
1.3 Major questions
2. Magnetic reconnection observed in space and laboratory plasmas
2.1 Magnetic reconnection in solar flares
2.2 Magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere
2.3 Magnetic reconnection in self-organization in fusion plasmas
2.4 An observation of a prototypical reconnection layer in a laboratory experiment
3. Development of MHD theories for magnetic reconnection, and key observations in laboratory and space plasmas
3.1 Early history of MHD theory on magnetic reconnection
3.2 Description of plasma fluid in magnetic fields by MHD
3.3 The flux freezing principle and maintaining plasma equilibrium
3.4 Breakdown of flux freezing and magnetic reconnection
3.5 Resistive MHD theories and magnetic reconnection
3.6 Experimental analysis of the magnetic reconnection layer based on MHD models
4. Kinetic description of the reconnection layer: One-dimensional Harris equilibrium and an experimental study
4.1 One-dimensional Harris formulation and solutions
4.2 Theory of the generalized Harris sheet
4.3 Experimental investigation of the Harris sheet
4.4 Additional comments and discussion
5. Development of two-fluid theory for reconnection coordinated with key observations
5.1 Reconnection in the magnetosphere and two-fluid dynamics
5.2 Relationship between the two-fluid formulation and MHD
5.3 Development of particle-in-cell simulations
5.4 Results from two-dimensional numerical simulations for collisionless reconnection
5.5 Profile and characteristics of the two-fluid reconnection layer
5.6 Experimental observations of two-fluid effects in the reconnection layer
5.7 Observation of a two-scale reconnection layer with identification of the electron diffusion layer in a laboratory plasma
5.8 Waves in the reconnection layer and enhanced resistivity
6. Laboratory plasma experiments dedicated to the study of magnetic reconnection
6.1 Early laboratory experiments on reconnection
6.2 Experiments of toroidal plasma merging
6.3 Controlled driven reconnection experiments
6.4 Main facilities dedicated to reconnection study
7. Recent observations of magnetic reconnection in solar and astrophysical plasmas
7.1 Features of magnetic reconnection in solar flare eruptions
7.2 Development of the standard solar flare model and magnetic reconnection
7.3 Breakout model with a multipolar magnetic configuration
7.4 Magnetic reconnection occurs impulsively
7.5 A model of magnetic reconnection in the Crab Nebula
7.6 Notes on fast collisionless reconnection in space astrophysical plasmas
8. Recent observations of magnetic reconnection in space astrophysical plasmas
8.1 Magnetic reconnection layer in the magnetosphere
8.2 Observational studies of magnetic reconnection in the magnetosphere with the aid of numerical simulations
8.3 Electron-scale measurements of the reconnection layer in the magnetopause
8.4 Electron-scale dynamics of the symmetric reconnection layer in the magnetotail
9. Magnetic self-organization phenomena in plasmas and global magnetic reconnection
9.1 Magnetic self-organization in plasmas
9.2 Magnetic self-organization in laboratory plasmas
9.3 Impulsive self-organization in space and laboratory plasmas
9.4 Magnetic self-organization in line-tied magnetic flux ropes: Laboratory study of solar flare eruption phenomena
10. Studies of energy conversion and flows in magnetic reconnection
10.1 Experimental study of magnetic energy conversion in the reconnection layer in a laboratory plasma
10.2 Experimental setup and plasma parameters
10.3 Electron flow dynamics studied by measured flow vectors
10.4 Observation of energy deposition on electrons and electron heating
10.5 Generation of an electric potential well in the two-fluid reconnection layer
10.6 Ion acceleration and heating in the two-fluid reconnection layer
10.7 Experimental study of the dynamics and the energetics of asymmetric reconnection
11. Analysis of energy flow and partitioning in the reconnection layer
11.1 Formulation for a quantitative study of energy flow in the reconnection layer
11.2 Analysis of energy flow in the two-fluid formulation
11.3 Experimental study of the energy inventory in two-fluid analysis
11.4 Particle-in-cell simulations for the MRX energetics experiments
11.5 A simple analytical model of energy conversion in the two-fluid reconnection layer
11.6 Summary and discussions on the energy inventory of the reconnection layer
12. Cross-discipline study of the two-fluid dynamics of magnetic reconnection in laboratory and magnetopause plasmas
12.1 Background of a collaborative study of two-fluid dynamics in the reconnection layer
12.2 Dynamics of the electron diffusion region and energy deposition measured by MRX
12.3 Dynamics of the electron diffusion region and energy deposition measured by MMS
12.4 Ion dynamics and energetics in MRX and the magnetosphere
13. The dynamo and the role of magnetic reconnection
13.1 Galactic magnetic fields and basic MHD theory
13.2 The Biermann battery dynamo
13.3 Research on dynamo effects in laboratory fusion plasmas
13.4 Effects of a two-fluid dynamo in an RFP plasma
14. Magnetic reconnection in large systems
14.1 Development of plasmoid theory
14.2 Effects of MHD turbulence on magnetic reconnection
14.3 Experimental status of magnetic reconnection research for a large system
14.4 Magnetic reconnection in a large system of electron–positron pair plasma
14.5 Impulsive reconnection in a large system
15. Summary and future prospects
15.1 Major findings from local analysis
15.2 Major findings from global analysis
15.3 Outstanding issues and future research
15.4 Closing remarks
Appendix A. Basic description of waves by dispersion relationship equations
A.1 Basic description of waves in cold plasmas
A.2 The dispersion relation
Appendix B. Plasma parameters for typical laboratory and natural plasmas
B.1 Plasma parameter diagram
B.2 Typical plasma parameters and formulae
Appendix C. Common notation
Bibliography
Index
Color Plates
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