Abstract
The stability characteristics of a plasma jet V(x)=sech2 x embedded in a parallel magnetic field B(x)=B0 tanh x are investigated. The Kelvin–Helmholtz kink mode, which dominates at small B0, is stabilized at B0=0.46, while the pinch mode remains unstable up to B0=0.96. Contrary to a nonmagnetized jet, for finite B0 the kink mode saturates quasilinearly by broadening the jet, such that B0/Vmax becomes larger than the marginal value 0.46. Including finite resistivity the nonlinear behavior is eventually governed by the tearing mode for all values of B0≠0, consisting of a single plasmoid moving along the jet. Hence the shear flow cannot stabilize the tearing mode, so that the apparent tearing stability of resistive current sheets observed in numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection is only due to finite-length effects.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
