Three-dimensional numerical simulations of the tearing instability in the framework of compressible and resistive magnetohydrodynamics are presented. Simulations have been performed with a novel Eulerian conservative high order code, including an explicit resistivity, which uses implicit high order numerical schemes having higher spectral resolution than classical schemes. The linear and non linear evolution of the tearing instability has been followed for force-free and pressure-balanced initial equilibrium configurations. Pressure equilibrium configurations are subject to a secondary instability which drives the system toward a quasi two dimensional structure oriented perpendicularly to the initial configuration. The development of secondary instabilities is suppressed by a guide field allowing the coalescence instability to fully develop in the system. Force-free initial configurations follow an intermediate path with respect the previous cases: Strong coalescence of magnetic islands, due to the non linear evolution of the tearing instability, is observed before the system enters in a phase dominated by 3D modes. The histories of the differing initial current-sheet equilibria have counterparts in the energy spectra that, for all three cases, are observed to be strongly anisotropic.

Three-dimensional simulations of compressible tearing instability / S. Landi; P. Londrillo; M. Velli; L. Bettarini. - In: PHYSICS OF PLASMAS. - ISSN 1070-664X. - STAMPA. - 15:(2008), pp. 012302-012302-15. [10.1063/1.2825006]

Three-dimensional simulations of compressible tearing instability

LANDI, SIMONE
;
VELLI, MARCO;BETTARINI, LAPO
2008

Abstract

Three-dimensional numerical simulations of the tearing instability in the framework of compressible and resistive magnetohydrodynamics are presented. Simulations have been performed with a novel Eulerian conservative high order code, including an explicit resistivity, which uses implicit high order numerical schemes having higher spectral resolution than classical schemes. The linear and non linear evolution of the tearing instability has been followed for force-free and pressure-balanced initial equilibrium configurations. Pressure equilibrium configurations are subject to a secondary instability which drives the system toward a quasi two dimensional structure oriented perpendicularly to the initial configuration. The development of secondary instabilities is suppressed by a guide field allowing the coalescence instability to fully develop in the system. Force-free initial configurations follow an intermediate path with respect the previous cases: Strong coalescence of magnetic islands, due to the non linear evolution of the tearing instability, is observed before the system enters in a phase dominated by 3D modes. The histories of the differing initial current-sheet equilibria have counterparts in the energy spectra that, for all three cases, are observed to be strongly anisotropic.
2008
15
012302
012302-15
S. Landi; P. Londrillo; M. Velli; L. Bettarini
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
2008.pdf

accesso aperto

Descrizione: Articolo principalle
Tipologia: Pdf editoriale (Version of record)
Licenza: Open Access
Dimensione 1.38 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.38 MB Adobe PDF

I documenti in FLORE sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/382470
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 26
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 26
social impact