Initial fluxon models of CME onset: loss-of-equilibrium, breakout, tether-cutting

I will present results from initial models of CME onset using a new force-free magnetic evolution code, FLUX, that uses the novel fluxon approach to MHD modeling. FLUX is a quasi-Lagrangian solver that is free of numerical reconnection and that I am making available as free software. It is currently suitable for studying evolving force-free equilibria in the presence of only controlled reconnection; development work is ongoing to add plasma static and dynamic forces. I plan to consider three simple configurations typical of three current genres of CME onset model: loss of equilibrium under smooth motion by the photosphere; "tether-cutting" (reconnection of a containment field underneath a twisted prominence field); and "breakout" (reconnection of a containment field above a twisted prominence field). In each case I will estimate the magnetic energy available to accelerate mass, and discuss the resulting shape of the remnant open field regions ("dimming regions") after liftoff.