Multiscale simulation of magnetic reconnection -- A study of the effects of meso-scale structures

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24740373
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Plasma science
• Research Institution: University of Hyogo
• Principal Investigator: Numata Ryusuke 兵庫県立大学, シミュレーション学研究科, 准教授 (30615787)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: 磁気リコネクション / ジャイロ運動論 / プラズマ加熱 / マイクロテアリング / 位相混合

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have carried out simulation study on magnetic reconnection--a fundamental process in plasmas where the magnetic field lines reconnect and the magnetic energy is converted in other forms of energies--using a holistic simulation model including microscopic physics. From the simulation results, we have revealed that plasmas are strongly heated via phase mixing due to particle nature of plasmas. We have also extended the theory and simulation model to include inhomogeneity, such as pressure gradients, which drives instability causing meso scale structures, e.g. turbulence. By this extension, we have constructed the theory of magnetic reconnection driven by electron pressure gradients.

Free Research Field

プラズマ物理学