Planar MHD stagnation-point flows with velocity shear

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Abstract

We describe the process of magnetic field annihilation within the framework of the MHD equations for an incompressible plasma, including uniform resistivity and viscosity as transport parameters. With the assumptions of planar symmetry and steady state we discuss the stagnation-point flow pattern which results from the adoption of a particular choice for the plasma stream function. With this choice for the stream function we are able to model plasma flows with an arbitrary angle to the current layer and incorporate asymmetries in density and viscosity.

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Also at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Alternative Energy Physics Program, University of Technology Graz, Petersgasse 16, A-8010 Graz.

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