Three-dimensional Vlasov-code simulations of magnetopause-like current sheets

Abstract

The dynamics of thin magnetopause-like current sheets is investigated by means of three-dimensional Vlasov-code simulations. A tangential-discontinuity type kinetic magnetopause current sheet model is developed, aimed to reflect in situ spacecraft observations: the plasma density and temperature change across the magnetopause and the magnetic field has only a tangential component parallel to the magnetopause plane, which rotates through the magnetopause. Such configurations do not allow, per se, plasma diffusion or convection across the magnetopause. The aim of the present work is to understand whether and how such magnetopause configurations can become “open”. Cases are considered with different angles between the ambient magnetic fields in the magnetosphere and the magnetosheath ranging from π/2 to π radians. The magnetic field and plasma velocity shear do not permit the nonlinear modulational lower-hybrid drift instability and prevent small-scale reconnection due to resonant wave-particle interactions.