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arXiv · 1001.1717

Dynamics of braided coronal loops - I. Onset of magnetic reconnection

A. L. Wilmot-Smith·D. I. Pontin·G. Hornig
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Abstract

The response of the solar coronal magnetic field to small-scale photospheric boundary motions including the possible formation of current sheets via the Parker scenario is one of open questions of solar physics. Here we address the problem via a numerical simulation. The three-dimensional evolution of a braided magnetic field which is initially close to a force-free state is followed using a resistive MHD code. A long-wavelength instability takes place and leads to the formation of two thin current layers. Magnetic reconnection occurs across the current sheets with three-dimensional features shown, including an elliptic magnetic field structure about the reconnection site, and results in an untwisting of the global field structure.

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A. L. Wilmot-Smith, D. I. Pontin, G. Hornig. 2010-03-18. Dynamics of braided coronal loops - I. Onset of magnetic reconnection. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361%2F201014041

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