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| Paper: |
Numerical Simulations of Relativistic Magnetic
Reconnection with Galerkin Methods |
| Volume: |
453, Advances in Computational Astrophysics: Methods, Tools, and Outcome |
| Page: |
55 |
| Authors: |
Zanotti, O.; Dumbser, M. |
| Abstract: |
We present the results of
two-dimensional
magnetohydrodynamical numerical simulations of
relativistic magnetic reconnection,
with particular emphasis on the
dynamics of Petschek-type configurations with high Lundquist
numbers, S∼ 105 – 108.
The numerical scheme adopted, allowing for
unprecedented accuracy for this type of calculations,
is based on high order finite volume
and discontinuous Galerkin methods as recently proposed by
Dumbser & Zanotti (2009).
The possibility of producing high Lorentz factors is
discussed, by studying the effects produced on the dynamics
by different magnetization and resistivity regimes.
We show that Lorentz factors close to ∼ 4 can be
produced for a plasma parameter β = 0.05.
Moreover, we find that the Sweet-Parker layers are
unstable, generating secondary magnetic islands,
but only for S > Sc ∼ 108, much larger than
what is reported in the Newtonian regime. |
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