Impact of 3D Structure on Magnetic Reconnection

Results from 2.5D and 3D studies of the onset development tearing instability are presented, using high fidelity resistive MHD simulations. A limited parameter study strength reconnecting field (or shear angle) was performed. An initially simple 1D equilibrium used, consisting a modified force-free current sheet, with periodic boundary conditions in all directions. In cases, linear non-linear evolution led to primary sheet between two large flux ropes. The global reconnection rate during this later stage analyzed It found that fragmented due plasmoids, as expected, rate, calculated multiple methods, increases stronger Alfv\'{e}n speed. 3D, presence interacting oblique modes complicates picture, entangling magnetic inflow introducing negative effect on rate. competing effects speed entangling, which both increase field, resulted decrease increasing field. For simulations, rates were less than 2.5D, but suggest one goes weak strong guide field), system becomes more like converge. These results have relevance situations nano-flare heating flare sheets corona.