Magnetic reconnection at 3D null points: effect of magnetic field asymmetry

TL;DR

This study investigates how magnetic field asymmetry affects magnetic reconnection at 3D null points, revealing that while the overall structure remains unchanged, the reconnection rate and current sheet properties vary significantly with asymmetry.

Contribution

The paper demonstrates that magnetic field asymmetry influences the intensity and dimensions of the current sheet and the reconnection rate, using resistive MHD simulations.

Findings

Reconnection structure is unaffected by field asymmetry.

Current sheet properties depend on magnetic field symmetry.

Reconnection rate varies strongly with asymmetry.

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the properties of magnetic reconnection at a 3D null point, with respect to their dependence on the symmetry of the magnetic field around the null. In particular we examine the rate of flux transport across the null point with symmetric/asymmetric diffusion regions, as well as how the current sheet forms in time, and its properties. Mathematical modelling and finite difference resistive MHD simulations are used. It is found that the basic structure of the mode of magnetic reconnection considered is unaffected by varying the magnetic field symmetry, that is, the plasma flow is found cross both the spine and fan of the null. However, the peak intensity and dimensions of the current sheet are dependent on the symmetry/ asymmetry of the field lines. As a result, the reconnection rate is also found to be strongly dependent on the field asymmetry.