Figure 1. Generation of Magnetic Turbulence and MHD Equilibrium Change via 3D Magnetic Reconnection (IMAGE)

Seoul National University College of Engineering

Figure 1. Generation of Magnetic Turbulence and MHD Equilibrium Change via 3D Magnetic Reconnection

Caption

Prior to the equilibrium change, intense microscale magnetic turbulence is generated by electron beams injected into the two flux ropes. This turbulence induces three-dimensional magnetic reconnection. After the equilibrium change, the VEST device shows newly formed plasma (magenta) resulting from the reconnection of the two flux ropes, while the original flux ropes remain. In the simulation, the two flux ropes are observed to have merged into a single structure.
 

Credit

© Nature, originally published in Nature

Usage Restrictions

Reuse of this image is restricted and requires permission from the publisher.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.