Three-dimensional force-free magnetic fields and flare energy buildup

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (55) References (58) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Three-dimensional Force-free Magnetic Fields and Flare Energy Buildup Klimchuk, J. A. ; Sturrock, P. A. Abstract The 'magneto-frictional' method is used to compute fully 3D models of force-free magnetic fields. Beginning with a potential field produced by a point dipole buried below the solar surface, the magnetic footpoints at the photosphere are displaced to investigate the buildup of magnetic energy. Reasonable footpoint shearing displacements are found to be able to increase the total magnetic energy by at least one-third. The energy buildup is greater when the shearing displacements are concentrated closer to the magnetic neutral line. Roughly half of the energy buildup is free magnetic energy. The absolute quantity of free magnetic energy (10 exp 30-33 ergs, depending on the scaling of the models) is sufficient to explain solar flares. No evidence for 'loss of equilibrium' was found. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: January 1992 DOI: 10.1086/170943 Bibcode: 1992ApJ...385..344K Keywords: Force-Free Magnetic Fields; Solar Corona; Solar Flares; Solar Magnetic Field; Three Dimensional Models; Lorentz Force; Magnetohydrodynamics; Photosphere; Solar Physics; MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS: MHD; SUN: CORONA; SUN: FLARES; SUN: MAGNETIC FIELDS full text sources ADS |