Simulation of a Collision between Shock Waves and a Magnetic Flux Tube: Excitation of Surface Alfven Waves and Body Alfven Waves

Abstract

To explain the observed dynamics of the small-scale magnetic flux tubes in the quiet photospheric network, Furusawa & Sakai presented simulation results on the collision of two flux tubes. They found that shock waves appear during the collision of two magnetic flux tubes, when two magnetic flux tubes with weak electric current collide with each other. The shock waves so generated can subsequently collide with another flux tube, and we investigate here the interaction process of the shock with the flux tube. It is found that during the collision of a shock wave with a magnetic flux tube with weak electric current, surface Alfven waves can be generated and propagate along the flux tube. However, when the shock wave collides with a magnetic flux tube with strong current, body Alfven waves can be generated and propagate along the flux tube. It is also shown that, when we take into account the effect of a background density inhomogeneity due to gravity, there occurs a strong upward plasma jet along the flux tube, as well as surface Alfven waves. The energy conversion rate from the shock wave energy to the upward MHD waves, as well as upward plasma flows, is about 40% and thus is very efficient. We apply our results to the problem of solar coronal heating.