Topology of magnetic structures in solar wind plasma

In most astrophysical plasmas collisions between plasma particles are rare and do not

lead to a considerable loss of kinetic and magnetic energy through viscous and

resistive heating. Instead, the energy dissipation relies on nonlinear processes, namely

plasma turbulence and magnetic reconnection. These fundamental mechanisms

transfer energy across scales and between electromagnetic fields and particles.

Stretched turbulent vortices and thin reconnecting current sheets are prime sites of

plasma heating and particle acceleration. Magnetic field line topology is central to

both these processes. The project will explore these processes using multi spacecraft

observations, which allow for the reconstruction of the local magnetic field line

topology in the solar wind. The Cluster and the Magnetospheric Multi-Scale (MMS)

missions provide data for such reconstruction on different spatial scales. The impact

of unstable current sheets on the turbulent energy cascade in the solar wind will be

explored, beyond the usual signatures observed in the power spectra of fluctuations.

Detecting current sheet-like topology and characterising its stability will provide

essential validation for recent theories. Small reconnecting current sheets generated

by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the Earth magnetosphere will be studied to

understand the topological evolution of these structures via plasmoid generation.

Reconnection events will also be studied to assess the validity of the quasi twodimensional magnetic field configurations used in the models and theories. Current

magnetic field reconstruction methodology will be improved based on the additional

constraint due to directly observed current.

The successful candidate will be based in the Centre for Fusion, Space and

Astrophysics (CFSA). Research at CFSA focuses on plasma physics applied to the

grand challenges of fusion power, space physics, solar physics, and astrophysics. Our

work spans fundamental theory, observation, and the analysis of experimental data,

combined with high performance computing. For more details of the CFSA see

http://www.warwick.ac.uk/go/cfsa/

We plan to interview in person at Warwick University in late February but please get

in touch before that with any informal enquires, if you have any questions or if you’d

like to know more about the project.

Eligibility

You must have or expect at least an upper second class BSc honours, MSci or MPhys or equivalent in Physics or related subject

For students whose first language is not English, we require a score of 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent, for further information please see English Language Information & Entry Requirements (warwick.ac.uk)

How To Apply

For further information on how to apply please see our postgraduate webpage Postgraduate – Department of Physics(warwick.ac.uk)

Funding Notes

The project will provide a full UK-standard annual tax-free stipend of £20,140, rising with inflation, plus allocations for travel and consumables.