Theory 01/Plasma Physics
Reconnection Runs on an Aspect Ratio
The claim
The rate of magnetic reconnection is set by the aspect ratio of the current sheet rather than by resistivity, so a thin sheet reconnects fast even in a highly conducting plasma.
01The mechanism
Reconnection requires the sheet to thin until the inflow is fast enough to sustain the exhaust; the aspect ratio sets that balance, and resistivity only sets how thin it must get.
02Predictions
- P1Rate should scale with sheet aspect ratio.
- P2Lower resistivity should sharpen the sheet rather than slow reconnection.
03Refutation
Rate tracking resistivity at fixed aspect ratio would remove the geometric control.