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On the asymptotic theory of localized structures in a thin two-dimensional Harris current sheet: plasmoids, multiplasmoids and X points

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2002

A. TUR
Affiliation:
Centre d’Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements, CNRS, 9, Avenue du Colonel-Roche, BP 4346, 31028 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
P. LOUARN
Affiliation:
Centre d’Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements, CNRS, 9, Avenue du Colonel-Roche, BP 4346, 31028 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
V. YANOVSKY
Affiliation:
Institute for Single Crystals, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lenine Avenue 60, Kharkov 310001, Ukraine
D. LE QUEAU
Affiliation:
Centre d’Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements, CNRS, 9, Avenue du Colonel-Roche, BP 4346, 31028 Toulouse Cedex 4, France
V. GENOT
Affiliation:
Centre d’Etude Spatiale des Rayonnements, CNRS, 9, Avenue du Colonel-Roche, BP 4346, 31028 Toulouse Cedex 4, France

Abstract

We develop a new asymptotic method of resolution of the two-dimensional equilibrium equation of collisionless plasmas described by the Maxwell–Vlasov equations. This method differs from the classical one proposed by K. Schindler [Earth’s Magnetospheric Processes (ed. B. M. McCormac). Norwood, MA: Reidel, 1972, pp. 200–209.] since we consider free-boundary plasmas. Our method is a generalization of the usual multiscale asymptotic developments. The first-approximation asymptotic solutions are found from the elimination of increasing and singular terms in the next approximation. We apply the method to the mathematical description of nonlinear structures that may form in neutral sheets. Particular solutions describing localized plasmoids (O-point configuration) as well as X-point magnetic configurations are obtained. We also find more general solutions describing a finite number of ‘magnetic islands’ (multiplasmoid solutions) separated by X points.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2001 Cambridge University Press

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