Journal Article

Guide Field Dependence of Energy Conversion and Magnetic Topologies in Reconnection Turbulent Outflow

Xiong, Q. Y., Tang, Y. T., Jiang, K., Yu, L., Wu, H. H., Huang, S. Y., Zhang, J., Yuan, Z. G., Lin, R. T.

2024

Overview

Energy conversion between the fields and the particles occurs through various physical processes within space environments. Magnetic reconnection stands out as one such process capable of rapidly and massively releasing energy. The high‐speed outflow jets produced by reconnection can induce turbulence characterized by intermittent structures. In this study, we investigate the impact of guide field on the energy conversion associated with the magnetic topologies within these structures during reconnection. Utilizing both particle‐in‐cell simulations and observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, our findings suggest that a larger guide field present during reconnection leads to increased energy conversion as well as the generation of O‐type topology structures within the turbulent outflow. Our results provide significant evidence on the relationships between energy conversion and magnetic topologies within turbulent outflow of reconnection and the guide field conditions. Plain Language Summary In space environments, various physical processes involve the conversion of energy between magnetic fields and particles. One such process is magnetic reconnection, which can rapidly release a large amount of energy. During magnetic reconnection, high‐speed outflow jets are generated, leading to the formation of turbulent structures. In our study, we investigate how the presence of a guide field affects the energy conversion process and the resulting magnetic topologies within these turbulent structures during reconnection events. Using both particle‐in‐cell simulations and observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission, we explore the impact of guide fields on energy conversion and magnetic topologies. Our findings indicate that a larger guide field present during reconnection leads to increased energy conversion and the generation of specific magnetic topology structures known as O‐type topologies within the turbulent outflow. These results provide significant insights into the complex relationships between energy conversion processes, magnetic topologies, and guide field conditions during magnetic reconnection events in space. Understanding these relationships is crucial for advancing our knowledge of fundamental physical processes occurring in space environments. Key Points Magnetic topology in the turbulent reconnection outflow is investigated through both Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) observations and particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations A larger guide field can promote the generation of O‐type topology in the turbulent outflow of the reconnection Higher energy conversion is contributed by those O‐type topologies in the presence of a larger guide field

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Aerospace environments / Energy / Energy conversion / Magnetic field / Magnetic fields / Magnetic reconnection / Magnetospheres / Outflow / Structures / Topology / Turbulence