Hamiltonian vortices and reconnection in a magnetized plasma

Abstract

Hamiltonian vortices and reconnection in magnetized plasmas are investigated analytically and numerically using a two-fluid model. The equations are written in the Lagrangian form of three fields that are advected with different velocities. This system can be considered as a generalization and extension of the two-dimensional Euler equation for an ordinary fluid. It is pointed out that these equations allow solutions in the form of singular current-vortex filaments, drift-Alfvén vortices and magnetic islands, and admit collisionless magnetic reconnection where magnetic flux is converted into electron momentum and ion vorticity.