3D MHD reconnection model coupled with Cluster multi-spacecraft data : 3D reconnection model

• We present a model where a three-dimensional viscous/resistive analytical model of the large scale plasma flow in the outflow region about a reconnection site at the dayside magnetopause, is coupled with multi-spacecraft measurements from the Cluster satellite armada. A total of ten magnetopause crossings have been analyzed during the period 10:29-11:05 UT January 26, 2001, where nine are shown to be suitable to be coupled with the analytical model. Five of these nine reconnection events results in a successful coupling. By fitting the analytical expressions of the plasma velocity and magnetic field behaviour during the transition of the magnetopause, with data from the Cluster spacecraft we obtain estimates of the location of the X-line together with estimates on the anomalous transport coeffcients of kinematic viscosity (v) and magnetic diffusivity (ηd). We also obtain the development of the magnetopause transition layer away from the X-line. It is shown that the distance from the spacecraft to the X-line varies between 0.01 and 1 Earth radii, while v + ηd have a value between 4 . 104 km2/ s and 4 . 106 km2/ s. Furthermore it is shown that the transition layer thickness follows the analytical pattern where it grows proportional to the square root of the distance from the reconnection site. The estimated thickness obtained from each spacecraft is shown to follow the analytical structure well.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Strömningsmekanik och akustik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Strömningslära

Fluid Mechanics

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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