Numerical modeling of two magnetized counter-propagating weakly collisional plasma flows in arch configuration

Abstract

The effect of the finite ion Larmor radius on the dynamics of two counterstreaming weakly collisional plasma flows in a magnetic field of an arch configuration is considered. Hybrid numerical simulations show that in a system whose dimensions are close to the ion Larmor radius, more intense interaction dynamics is observed and the magnetic arch experiences a significant expansion with the formation of a region with an irregular character of magnetic lines, in which magnetic reconnection processes occur. In this case, the generation of a surface wave of the ion-cyclotron range is observed at the boundaries of the arch. An increase in the scale of the system compared with the ion Larmor radius leads to a transition to the ideal magnetohydrodynamic regime, in which the evolution of the arch occurs much more slowly, and the development of instabilities is not observed.

Publication
Journal of Plasma Physics, V. 92, E9 (2026)
Date
Links