Quasi-static evolution of force-free magnetic fields and a model for two-ribbon solar flares
Abstract
It is shown that a two-dimensional force-free field in the solar corona can evolve in a quasi-static manner toward an open configuration, assuming the coronal field is invariant with respect to translations parallel to the x-axis. The theoretical result is applied to the quantitative theory of the evolution of two-ribbon solar flares of Kopp and Pneuman (1976), and the results are discussed. It is concluded that the two-dimensional force is the principal mechanism for the opening of the coronal magnetic field prior to reconnection during a solar flare.
- Publication:
-
Unstable Current Systems and Plasma Instabilities in Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985IAUS..107..221A
- Keywords:
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- Force-Free Magnetic Fields;
- Solar Flares;
- Solar Magnetic Field;
- Current Sheets;
- Solar Corona;
- Solar Physics;
- Tearing Modes (Plasmas);
- Solar Physics