Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Feb 1996
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996apj...457..933h&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal v.457, p.933
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
40
Convection, Magnetohydrodynamics: Mhd, Sun: Interior, Sun: Magnetic Fields
Scientific paper
Magnetoconvection in the Sun does not take place in the idealized situation in which the imposed field is vertical or horizontal. Instead, fields in sunspots and other active region features are inclined to the vertical, and so the system does not possess the left-right symmetry that is a feature of many analytical and numerical studies. As a first step toward the understanding of convection in general field configurations, we consider the nonlinear behavior of compressible convection in the presence of a uniform, externally imposed, oblique magnetic field. Numerical simulations demonstrate that all solutions take the form of traveling waves, regardless of the degree of nonlinearity or field intensity, for angles of obliquity 0 < θ < π/2. However, the structure of the convection cells, their wave speed, and direction depend sensitively upon the degree of nonlinearity, field angle, and field strength. For sufficiently vigorous convection, we find that all solutions have a net horizontal velocity at the upper surface of the computational domain that is in the direction of the field tilt from vertical (whereas the total horizontal momentum is zero). In cases where the convection dominates over the magnetic field, we find the waves propagating in the same direction as the net surface velocity but with phase velocities that are typically an order of magnitude smaller. In cases where the field dominates over the convection, we find a similar relation in speeds but with waves propagating in the opposite direction. The results appear to be qualitatively independent of the precise boundary conditions applied to the field, as long as the latter do not impart a net horizontal momentum to the layer.
Hurlburt Neal E.
Matthews Paul C.
Proctor Michael R. E.
No associations
LandOfFree
Nonlinear Compressible Convection in Oblique Magnetic Fields does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Nonlinear Compressible Convection in Oblique Magnetic Fields, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nonlinear Compressible Convection in Oblique Magnetic Fields will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1153755