A detailed mathematical analysis of plane steady-state reconnexion is given for the case when the plasma parameters and the magnetic fields are not identical on both sides of the current sheet. Asymptotic solutions in the sense that the inflow velocity is much less than the local Alfvén velocity as well as the arrangement of shock waves are obtained. Rotational (Alfvén) waves, slow shock waves, rarefaction waves (expansion fans), and a contact discontinuity may occur. Four different types of solution, corresponding to different shock wave configurations, are possible. They depend on the parameters of the inflow regions in a unique way.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-344
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Plasma Physics
Volume30
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1983

    Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics

ID: 53097261