An Examination of Nonlinear Collisionless Magnetic Reconnection through Eigenmode Decomposition

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Publication Source

Physics of Plasmas

Volume Number

31

Issue Number

10

ISSN

1070664X

E-ISSN

10897674

Article Number

100701

Abstract

This work investigates the nonlinear evolution of collisionless magnetic reconnection through a simple two-dimensional, two-fluid model that employs an eigenmode decomposition. The two-fluid model for collisionless reconnection is solved using the Dedalus code, allowing for the determination of eigenmode amplitudes to assess the contribution of each eigenmode to the nonlinear configuration. Stable mode dynamics are observed to play a significant role in the nonlinear evolution of reconnection, with contributions from a linearly damped mode comparable to the dominant unstable mode at the same spatial scale. The participation and necessity of the stable mode in nonlinear reconnection activity are highlighted. A truncated eigenmode decomposition is implemented to describe the system, revealing the importance of a spectrum of marginal modes as well.

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