Model of line preserving field line motions using Euler potentials Original Research Article

We consider behavior of finite magnetic field lines during reconnection processes. We portray field line motions using Euler potentials representation. Here, we propose a new insight into plasma flow fields related with magnetic reconnection. In this approach reconnection is treated as a breakage of magnetic topology, which results in deviation from the line preserving flow regime. We derive constraints and the general equations for these flows. In our approach the flux preserving flows are treated as a special case of line preserving regime. We also derive a constraint on a non-ideal term in Ohm’s Law within diffusion regions, which relates plasma flow with resistivity, and which must hold for non-reconnective diffusion. We also propose a new method of detecting magnetic reconnection.