Shear-induced opening of the coronal magnetic field

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (65) References (15) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Shear-induced Opening of the Coronal Magnetic Field Wolfson, Richard Abstract This work describes the evolution of a model solar corona in response to motions of the footpoints of its magnetic field. The mathematics involved is semianalytic, with the only numerical solution being that of an ordinary differential equation. This approach, while lacking the flexibility and physical details of full MHD simulations, allows for very rapid computation along with complete and rigorous exploration of the model's implications. We find that the model coronal field bulges upward, at first slowly and then more dramatically, in response to footpoint displacements. The energy in the field rises monotonically from that of the initial potential state, and the field configuration and energy appraoch asymptotically that of a fully open field. Concurrently, electric currents develop and concentrate into a current sheet as the limiting case of the open field is approached. Examination of the equations shows rigorously that in the asymptotic limit of the fully open field, the current layer becomes a true ideal MHD singularity. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: April 1995 DOI: 10.1086/175571 Bibcode: 1995ApJ...443..810W Keywords: Asymptotic Properties; Magnetic Energy Storage; Magnetic Field Configurations; Shear Properties; Solar Corona; Solar Magnetic Field; Stellar Models; Current Density; Differential Equations; Electric Current; Magnetic Dipoles; Magnetohydrodynamics; Solar Physics; MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS: MHD; SUN: CORONA; SUN: MAGNETIC FIELDS; SUN: PARTICLE EMISSION full text sources ADS |