Numerical Simulations of the Effects of Out-of-plane Velocity Shear on Magnetic Reconnection in the Near-Sun Solar Wind
Abstract
Abstract Motivated by Parker Solar Probe observations of magnetic reconnection exhausts in current sheets near the Sun, we present particle-in-cell simulations of reconnection in the presence of shear flow perpendicular to the plane of reconnection. Increasing the strength of the flow shear decreases the reconnection rate, in agreement with observations and theory, and aligns with similar decreases that have been observed in other geometries. In addition, the shear produces asymmetries in the out-of-plane current bounding the reconnection exhaust, similar to those seen in observations.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Magnetic confinement fusion research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- The Astrophysical Journal
- Volume
- 997
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 346–346
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN