New Force-Free Models of Magnetic Clouds
Abstract
Magnetic clouds are thought to be large flux ropes propagating through the heliosphere. Their twisted magnetic fields are mostly modeled by a constant-alpha force-free field in a circular cylindrical flux rope. However the interplanetary flux ropes are three dimensional objects. In reality they possibly have a curved shape and an oblate cross section. Recently we have found two force-free models of flux ropes which takes into account the mentioned features. These are (i) a constant-alpha force-free configuration in an elliptic flux rope and (ii) a force-free field in a toroid with arbitrary aspect ratio. Their nature will be described and their ability to fit observed unusual magnetic field profiles will be demonstrated.
- Publication:
-
IAU Joint Discussion
- Pub Date:
- 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003IAUJD...3E...6V