Experimental and theoretical investigation of plasma dynamics relevant to the solar corona
Abstract
The research program will investigate the dynamics of interacting plasma-filled magnetic flux loopsrelevant to the solar corona. Particular attention will be given to how these loops undergo magneticreconnection as they intersect and how the reconnection involves both macro-scale MHD physics andmicro-scale non-MHD physics. The research program will, in addition, investigate 3-D propertiesof magnetic clouds and how the lower bound of the frequency range of whistler physics becomesdepressed when a magnetized plasma is weakly ionized. The interacting flux loops as well as theirMHD and non-MHD behavior will be investigated using a laboratory experiment wherein pulsed powertechniques create actual interacting loops having dynamics and topology similar to what occurs on thesolar corona. Analytic and numerical modeling will be used to interpret the experimental results andto study behavior of interplanetary magnetic clouds and weakly ionized plasmas. It is anticipated thatthese studies will provide new insights into the build-up of solar coronal structures as well as theireruption and ejecta. These insights will provide improved understanding of space phenomena that canbe deleterious to both spacecraft operation and ground communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710023
Entities
People
- Paul M. Bellan
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- California Institute of Technology
- United States Air Force