An Optimization Principle for Computing Stationary MHD Equilibria with Solar Wind Flow

0538198 - ASÚ 2021 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Wiegelmann, T. - Neukirch, A.J. - Nickeler, Dieter Horst - Chifu, J.
An Optimization Principle for Computing Stationary MHD Equilibria with Solar Wind Flow.
Solar Physics. Roč. 295, č. 10 (2020), č. článku 145. ISSN 0038-0938. E-ISSN 1573-093X
Institutional support: RVO:67985815
Keywords : magnetic fields * corona * models
OECD category: Astronomy (including astrophysics,space science)
Impact factor: 2.671, year: 2020
Method of publishing: Open access

In this work we describe a numerical optimization method for computing stationary MHD equilibria. The newly developed code is based on a nonlinear force-free optimization principle. We apply our code to model the solar corona using synoptic vector magnetograms as boundary condition. Below about two solar radii the plasma beta and Alfven Mach number M-A are small and the magnetic field configuration of stationary MHD is basically identical to a nonlinear force-free field, whereas higher up in the corona (where beta and M-A are above unity) plasma and flow effects become important and stationary MHD and force-free configuration deviate significantly. The new method allows for the reconstruction of the coronal magnetic field further outwards than with potential field, nonlinear force-free or magnetostatic models. This way the model might help to provide the magnetic connectivity for joint observations of remote sensing and in-situ instruments on Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0316020