Abstract
In this paper we show how new techniques of topological fluid mechanics and physical knot theory can be applied to estimate magnetic energy levels in solar physics. In particular, we show that magnetic energy stored in complex configurations of plasma loops present on the Sun can be quantified by geometric and topological information. These studies find important applications in the energetics of solar and stellar physics and in laboratory plasmas.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Berger, M.A. 1993 Energy-crossing number relations for braided magnetic fields. Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 705–708.
Bray, R.J., Cram, L.E., Durrant, C.J. & Loughhead, R.E. 1991 Plasma Loops in the Solar Corona. Cambridge University Press.
Freedman, M.H. & He, Z.-X. 1991 Divergence-free fields: energy and asymptotic crossing number. Ann. Math. 134, 189–229.
Giovanelli, R. 1984 Secrets of the Sun. Cambridge University Press.
Moffatt, H.K. 1990 The energy spectrum of knots and links. Nature 347, 367–369.
Ricca, R.L. 1997 Evolution and inflexional instability of twisted magnetic flux tubes. Solar Physics 172, 241–248.
Rlcca, R.L. 1998a Applications of knot theory in fluid mechanics. In Knot Theory (ed. V.F.R. Jones et al.), pp. 321–346. Banach Center Publs. 42, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw.
Rlcca, R.L. 1998b New developments in topological fluid mechanics: from Kelvin’s vortex knots to magnetic knots. In Ideal Knots (ed. A. Stasiak et al.), pp. 255–273. Series on Knots and Everything 19, World Scientific, Singapore.
Rlcca, R.L. & Berger, M.A. 1996 Topological ideas and fluid mechanics. Phys. Today 49(12), 24–30.
Spruit, H.C. & Roberts, B. 1983 Magnetic flux tubes on the Sun. Nature 304, 401–406.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2000 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Ricca, R.L. (2000). Knots and braids on the Sun. In: Gyr, A., Koumoutsakos, P.D., Burr, U. (eds) Science and Art Symposium 2000. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4177-2_32
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-4177-2_32
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-5819-3
Online ISBN: 978-94-011-4177-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive