paper

Numerical simulations of high Lundquist number relativistic magnetic reconnection

arXiv:1103.5924 · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2966.2011.19551.x

Abstract

We present the results of two-dimensional and three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical numerical simulations of relativistic magnetic reconnection, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of the plasma in a Petschek-type configuration with high Lundquist numbers, S\sim 10^5-10^8. The numerical scheme adopted, allowing for unprecedented accuracy for this type of calculations, is based on high order finite volume and discontinuous Galerkin methods as recently proposed by \citet{Dumbser2009}. The possibility of producing high Lorentz factors is discussed, showing that Lorentz factors close to \sim 4 can be produced for a plasma parameter σ_m=20. Moreover, we find that the Sweet-Parker layers are unstable, generating secondary magnetic islands, but only for S > S_c = 10^8, much larger than what is reported in the Newtonian regime. Finally, the effects of a mildly anisotropic Ohm law are considered in a configuration with a guide magnetic field. Such effects produce only slightly faster reconnection rates and Lorentz factors of about 1% larger with respect to the perfectly isotropic Ohm law.

10 pages, 9 figures, matches version accepted by MNRAS

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