A Three-dimensional Dynamical Model of Current Sheet Formation in a Coronal Loop
Abstract
We develop a three-dimensional model for the time evolution of a slender coronal loop anchored in multiple isolated photospheric flux elements. As a result of the composite photospheric boundaries, the coronal field comprises multiple flux domains. The model shows that motion at the footpoints results in current singularities developing along separators between domains. Motion at one end of the loop creates a nonsingular Alfvénic pulse. Repeated reflections from the complex photospheric boundaries change the pulse's current into a surface singularity traveling along the separator ribbon. Final relaxation leads to an equilibrium that is current-free within all of the coronal domains and contains a separator current sheet. The relation of the equilibrium current to the footpoint displacements confirms previous quasi-static models of three-dimensional separator current sheets.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- October 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1086/342399
- Bibcode:
- 2002ApJ...578..573L
- Keywords:
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- Magnetohydrodynamics: MHD;
- Sun: Corona;
- Sun: Magnetic Fields