Joshua Mendez

Class of 2026

Major: Physics

Mentors: Ricard Cardenas, PhD &

Richard Lombardini, PhD

St. Mary’s University

Computational Magnetic Reconnection in Plasma

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in plasma physics, playing a critical role in the

dynamics of high-energy environments such as those found around pulsars. This research aims to

elucidate how magnetic reconnection contributes to the regular high-energy electromagnetic

emissions from pulsars through 3D computational modeling. Utilizing WarpX, an advanced

software optimized for supercomputer clusters, we simulate plasma under extreme conditions to

provide insights into the complex interactions and energy transformations. Our findings indicate

that 3D models offer a more accurate representation of plasma behavior compared to 2D models,

revealing significant details about the mechanisms driving pulsar emissions. This study advances

our understanding of pulsar environments and the broader implications of magnetic reconnection

in astrophysical plasmas.

Keywords: Magnetic reconnection, plasma physics, pulsars, 3D computational modeling,

WarpX