Reconnection of orthogonal (NN6) B_axial=1+cos(r*pi/R) flux tubes

Reynolds number Rm=R*v_A/(pi*eta)=3750

Initial peak velocity magnitude: v_A/5, vs. v_A/10, or v_A/20.

Movie of B²/9 isosurfaces of the magnetic field.

Movie of fieldlines running through lagrangian trace elements placed in the plasma.

Only fieldlines running through elements initially in the vertical flux tube are shown.

The horizontal flux tube is in front of the vertical flux tube from this viewpoint.

Fieldline area at any point along the fieldline is proportional to |B| there. Any part of a fieldline at |B| less than 1/10th of the global maximum is not plotted.

Note that the movie frames were made more frequently near the peak of the reconnection, at other times frames are replicated so that the movie plays at a uniform rate.

Energy vs time for the reconnection simulation and the reference simulations. The reference simulation is a single tube and the same Rm with no initial velocity.

Ratio of magnetic energy and current of reconnection simulation to that of the reference simulation.

Isosurfaces of B²=B²_max/9

tv_A*pi/R=[0,170,350],

tv_A*pi/R=[450,550,870]

Fieldline snapshots from movie at approximately same times as isosurfaces above.