Particle Acceleration by Turbulent Magnetohydrodynamic Reconnection

W. H. Matthaeus, J. J. Ambrosiano, and M. L. Goldstein
Phys. Rev. Lett. 53, 1449 – Published 8 October 1984
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Abstract

Test-particle acceleration is studied in a two-dimensional, turbulent magnetohydrodynamic simulation whose initial magnetic field configuration is a periodic sheet pinch. Some test particles become trapped near large electric field in the reconnnection region for approximately an Alfvén transit time. The maximum speed attained is consistent with an analytic estimate which depends on the reconnection electric field, the Alfvén speed, and the ratio of Larmor period to the Alfvén transit time.

  • Received 4 June 1984

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.53.1449

©1984 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

W. H. Matthaeus

  • Bartol Research Foundation, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716

J. J. Ambrosiano

  • Berkeley Research Associates, Springfield, Virginia 22150

M. L. Goldstein

  • Laboratory for Extraterrestrial Physics, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

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Issue

Vol. 53, Iss. 15 — 8 October 1984

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