Magnetic Reconnection in the Two-Dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability

Abstract

Magnetic reconnection in the two-dimensional Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is studied. The flow is modeled by the reduced MHD equations with constant resistivity and viscosity. For super-Alfvénic flow, localized transient reconnection is observed on the Kelvin-Helmholtz time scale (this is not new). We study this transient reconnection and consider the peak reconnection rate which occurs with the initial vortex formation. Over the range of resistivities considered, it is shown that this peak reconnection rate is not a function of resistivity, and is a function of the initial flow shear. Additionally, it is demonstrated that there is a fundamental difference between the evolution of a problem at S = 200 and S = 10,000.