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Taylor and Francis Group, Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 5(98), p. 407-428

DOI: 10.1080/0309192042000272324

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Kinematic reconnection at a magnetic null point: spine-aligned current

Journal article published in 2004 by David I. Pontin, Gunnar Hornig, Er R. Priest ORCID
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

Magnetic reconnection at a three-dimensional null point is the natural extension of the familiar two-dimensional X-point reconnection. A model is set up here for reconnection at a spiral null point, by solving the kinematic, steady, resistive magnetohydrodynamic equations in its vicinity. A steady magnetic field is assumed, as well as the existence of a localised diffusion region surrounding the null point. Outside the diffusion region the plasma and magnetic field move ideally. Particular attention is focussed on the way that the magnetic flux changes its connections as a result of the reconnection. The resultant plasma flows are found to be rotational in nature, as is the change in connections of the magnetic field lines.