Topological constraints on the relaxation of complex magnetic fields

Gunnar Hornig

    Research output: Contribution to conference › Other

    Abstract

    Newly emerging magnetic flux can show a complicated linked or interwoven topology of the magnetic field. The complexity of this linkage or knottedness of magnetic flux is related to the free energy stored in the magnetic field. Magnetic reconnection provides a process to release this energy on the time scale of the dynamics. At the same time it approximately conserves the total magnetic helicity. Therefore the conservation of total magnetic helicity is a crucial constraint for the relaxation of complex magnetic fields. However, the total magnetic helicity is only the first, most elementary, quantity of an infinite series of topological invariants of the magnetic field. All these invariants are strictly conserved in ideal magnetohydrodynamics. As an example a preliminary set of these invariants is derived. The relevance of these higher order invariants for the final state of relaxation under magnetic reconnection and their implications for the release of magnetic energy are discussed.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 1999
    EventThe 9th European Meeting on Solar Physics: Magnetic Fields and Solar Processes - Florence, Italy
    Duration: 12 Sept 1999 → 18 Sept 1999
    http://www.esa.int/esapub/bulletin/bullet101/bul101_publicat.pdf

    Conference

    ConferenceThe 9th European Meeting on Solar Physics: Magnetic Fields and Solar Processes
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityFlorence
    Period12/09/99 → 18/09/99
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Magnetic fields
    • Topological invariants
    • Magnetic reconnection

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    • 1 Conference contribution

    • Topological constraints on the relaxation of complex magnetic fields

      Hornig, G., 1999, Magnetic fields and solar processes, proceedings of the 9th European Meeting on Solar Physics. 12-18 September 1999, Florence, Italy. Wilson, A. (ed.). Noordwijk : European Space Agency, p. 5-8 4 p. (ESA special publications; no. 448).

      Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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