Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-10-20
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1088/0004-637X/690/1/L18
We present a novel model in which shortening of a magnetic flux tube following localized, three-dimensional reconnection generates strong gas-dynamic shocks around its apex. The shortening releases magnetic energy by progressing away from the reconnection site at the Alfven speed. This launches inward flows along the field lines whose collision creates a pair of gas-dynamic shocks. The shocks raise both the mass density and temperature inside the newly shortened flux tube. Reconnecting field lines whose initial directions differ by more that 100 degrees can produce a concentrated knot of plasma hotter that 20 MK, consistent with observations. In spite of these high temperatures, the shocks convert less than 10% of the liberated magnetic energy into heat - the rest remains as kinetic energy of bulk motion. These gas-dynamic shocks arise only when the reconnection is impulsive and localized in all three dimensions; they are distinct from the slow magnetosonic shocks of the Petschek steady-state reconnection model.
Guidoni Silvina E.
Linton Mark G.
Longcope Dana Warfield
No associations
LandOfFree
Gas-dynamic shock heating of post-flare loops due to retraction following localized, impulsive reconnection 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 Gas-dynamic shock heating of post-flare loops due to retraction following localized, impulsive reconnection, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Gas-dynamic shock heating of post-flare loops due to retraction following localized, impulsive reconnection will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-571988