Coronal energy release by MHD avalanches: continuous driving

J. Reid, A W Hood, C. E. Parnell, Philippa Browning, PJ Cargill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

162 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Previous work has confirmed the concept of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) avalanche in pre-stressed threads within a coronal loop.We undertook a series of full, three-dimensional MHD simulations in order to create three threads by twisting the magnetic field through boundary motions until an instability ensues.We find that, following the original instability, one unstable thread can disrupt its
neighbours with continued driving. A ‘bursty’ heating profile results, with a series of ongoing energy releases, but no evident steady state. For the first time using full MHD, we show that avalanches are a viable mechanism for the storing and release of magnetic energy in the solar corona, as a result of photospheric motions.
Original languageEnglish
Article numberA84
Number of pages10
JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics
Volume615
Early online date4 Apr 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2018

Keywords

  • Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
  • Methods: numerical
  • Sun: corona
  • Sun: magnetic fields

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Coronal energy release by MHD avalanches: continuous driving'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this