Stability of Stressed Current Tubes and Energy-Storage in the Solar Corona
Journal
Astrophysical Journal
Journal Volume
338
Journal Issue
2
Pages
1158-1170
Date Issued
1989
Author(s)
Zweibel, E. G.
Abstract
Ideal MHD stability in the solar corona is studied in order to understand the issue of magnetic energy storage. It is shown that circular flux tubes confined by a potential field can store a large fraction of their energy in nonpotential form. Such tubes are stabilized by their circularity, by line tying, and by their external field. In contrast, interacting, noncircular tubes can be far less stable, despite line tying and an external field. If a substantial fraction of the magnetic energy in an active region is to be stably stored in nonpotential form, only a very simple magnetic geometry is probably required.
SDGs
Type
journal article