Effect of in-plane shear flow on the magnetic island coalescence instability

Using a 2D Viscoresistive Reduced MagnetoHydroDynamic model, the magnetic island coalescence problem is studied in presence of in-plane, parallel shear flows. Extending analytical work Waelbroeck et al. [Phys. Plasmas 14, 022302 (2007)] and Throumoulopoulos al., [J. Phys. A 42, 335501 (2009)] sub-Alfvénic flow regime for Fadeev equilibrium, super-Alfvénic first time numerically. wide range values amplitudes scale lengths have been considered to understand effect flows on instability its nonlinear fate. We find that length scales greater than size, maximum reconnection rate decreases monotonically from speeds. For smaller up critical value v 0 c, beyond which found destabilize islands. The c with decrease scale. Interestingly, our parameters, we suppression Kelvin–Helmholtz even when width. Observation velocity streamlines shows plasma circulation inside islands has stabilizing influence strong cases. Plasma also be responsible upstream velocity, causing less pileup flux both sides sheet.