The energy release in solar flares - Implications of a constant-current model

A model is explored for energy release in solar flares that involves a constant coronal current. An emerging flux tube is assumed to carry a current I less than about 10 to the 12th A, and this current is assumed not to change during flare. Using a circuit model, explosive energy release is attributed to a rapid rise in the coronal resistance R(c), which must adjust to R(c) = - L(c), with L(c) the rate of change of the coronal inductance L(c), to ensure I = constant. In this model the total energy released in the corona is twice the change in the magnetic energy stored in the corona. It is argued that this energy is inadequate to power a large flare and the implications of this conclusion are discussed.