Preprint
Electron Energization in Reconnection: Eulerian versus Lagrangian Perspectives
arXiv.org
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
10/26/2023
DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2310.17480
Abstract
Particle energization due to magnetic reconnection is an important unsolved problem for myriad space and astrophysical plasmas. Electron energization in magnetic reconnection has traditionally been examined from a particle, or Lagrangian, perspective using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. Guiding-center analyses of ensembles of PIC particles have suggested that Fermi (curvature drift) acceleration and direct acceleration via the reconnection electric field are the primary electron energization mechanisms. However, both PIC guiding-center ensemble analyses and spacecraft observations are performed in an Eulerian frame. For this work, we employ the continuum Vlasov-Maxwell solver within the Gkeyll simulation framework to re-examine electron energization from a kinetic continuum, Eulerian, perspective. We separately examine the contribution of each drift energization component to determine the dominant electron energization mechanisms in a moderate guide-field Gkeyll reconnection simulation. In the Eulerian perspective, we find that the diamagnetic and agyrotropic drifts are the primary electron energization mechanisms away from the reconnection x-point, where direct acceleration dominates. We compare the Eulerian (Vlasov Gkeyll) results with the wisdom gained from Lagrangian (PIC) analyses.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Electron Energization in Reconnection: Eulerian versus Lagrangian Perspectives
- Creators
- Jason TenBargeJames JunoGregory Howes
- Resource Type
- Preprint
- Publication Details
- arXiv.org
- DOI
- 10.48550/arxiv.2310.17480
- eISSN
- 2331-8422
- Publisher
- Cornell University Library, arXiv.org; Ithaca
- Language
- English
- Date posted
- 10/26/2023
- Academic Unit
- Physics and Astronomy
- Record Identifier
- 9984500075602771
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