Astrophysical Plasma Simulations based on Dissipative Magnetohydrodynamics

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K05369
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Plasma science
• Research Institution: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: MINOSHIMA Takashi 国立研究開発法人海洋研究開発機構, 数理科学・先端技術研究分野, 研究員 (00514811)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): MIYOSHI Takahiro 広島大学, 理学研究科, 助教 (60335700)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 磁気リコネクション / 磁気流体力学 / プラズマ運動論 / 散逸

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is a powerful mean to describe astrophysical plasma activities. This research aims to propose the dissipative MHD as a new paradigm for realistic astrophysical plasma simulations.
We conduct dissipative MHD simulations of magnetic reconnection that is a fundamental energy-release mechanism in astrophysical plasma. The simulation reveals that the viscosity and the thermal conduction, as well as the electric resistivity, play an fundamental role for collisional reconnection. We further conduct a first-principle simulation of magnetic reconnection in kinetic plasma. We find a significant rise of an effective viscosity in association with reconnection, implying that it may be important also in collisionless reconnection.

Free Research Field

宇宙プラズマ物理学