Compressible magnetic field reconnection: A slow wave model

The incompressible infinite-conductivity reconnection model, consisting of wedges of uniform flow and magnetization separated by large-amplitude Alfven waves, is generalized to compressible flow. The leading waves become slow-mode isentropic expansion fans centered not at the reconnection point, but at corners located upstream in the flow field. The trailing waves are slow shocks emanating from the reconnection point. By numerical integration across the expansion fans and by use of the slow-shock jump conditions, the properties of the two plasma jets emitted from the reconnection region are obtained as a function of plasma properties and flow speed in the inflow. The possibility of fast transverse shocks in the exit jets is discussed. Finally, it is argued that elliptic effects, not considered in the model, by necessity must be present in a region of considerable extent surrounding the reconnection point