An Exact Solution for Steady State Magnetic Reconnection in Three Dimensions

Abstract
An exact three-dimensional solution is derived for the steady state magnetic reconnection of incompressible, resistive plasmas. The analysis provides a natural extension of the analytic, two-dimensional reconnection solution of Craig & Henton. The solution shows how advective motions through the separatrix "spine-curve" lead to global current sheets aligned to the separatrix "fan."