Force Free Magnetic Fields and Solar Activity.
Abstract
This study, aimed at the prediction of solar flares, centers on devising methods for calculating magnetic field structures in the solar atmosphere. Force-free fields comprise an important class of magnetic-field structures which may be calculated by relaxation techniques. Models under active consideration involve spherical boundary surfaces and cylindrical symmetry. Study of the energy of such field configurations indicates that, for sufficiently large shear, force-free fields will be unstable against perturbations leading to eruption. The condition for this instability and the mechanism of instability have been investigated. The studies are related to erupting prominences and coronal transients, as well as solar flares. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA039944
Entities
People
- C. W. Barnes
- Peter A. Sturrock
Organizations
- Stanford University