Abstract
When a horizontal magnetic field B(z) is sheared vertically on a lengthscale L in a diffusionless fluid, critical layers occur at z//c where the local Alfven speed V(z//c) matches the phase speed c of the wave. However, when a vertical field B//z is introduced, all the critical layers disappear. The present study investigates the solution in the neighborhood of z//c when B//z/B is very small, in order to clarify the manner in which the vertical field annihilates the critical layers. It is found that the solution across the critical layer is adjusted in a thin magnetic layer whose thickness is determined by the parameter epsilon **2( equals U/ alpha V, where U, V are measures of the vertical and horizontal components of the Alfven velocity and alpha /L is the horizontal wavenumber). The influence of the vertical field on the resistive instabilities present in its absence is also examined.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 117-130 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Journal of Fluid Mechanics |
Volume | 167 |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1986 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Computational Mechanics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Physics and Astronomy(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics