Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modeling of energy buildup for a flare-productive region

  • Published:
Solar Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A self-consistent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) model of shearing magnetic loops is used to investigate magnetic energy buildup in active region AR 2372 (Boulder number), in the period of 5–7 April, 1980. The magnetic field and sunspot motions in this region, derived using observational data obtained by the Marshall Space Flight Center Solar Observatory, suggest the initial boundary conditions for the model. It is found that the plasma parameters (i.e., density, temperature, and plasma flow velocity) do not change appreciable during the process of energy buildup as the magnetic loops are sheared. Thus, almost all of the added energy is stored in the magnetic field. Furthermore, it is shown that dynamical processes are not important during a slow buildup (i.e., for a shearing velocity less than 1 km s-1). Finally, we conclude that the amount of magnetic energy stored and the location of this stored magnetic energy depend on the initial magnetic field (whether potential of sheared) and the magnitude of the shearing motion.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Hagyard, M. J., Cumings, N. P., West, E. A., and Smith, J. E.: 1982, Solar Phys. 80, 33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hu, Y. Q. and Wu, S. T.: 1984, J. Computer Phys. (in press).

  • Krall, K. R., Smith, J. B. Jr., Hagyard, M. J., West, E. A., and Cumings, N. P.: 1982, Solar Phys. 79, 59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Low, B. C. and Nakagawa, Y.: 1975, Astrophys. J. 199, 237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Low, B. C.: 1977, Astrophys. J. 212, 234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakagawa, Y.: 1981a, Astrophys. J. 247, 709.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nakagawa, Y.: 1981b, Astrophys. J. 247, 719.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka, K. and Nakagawa, Y.: 1973, Solar Phys. 33, 187.

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Hoven, G.: 1980, in P. A. Sturrock (ed.), Proceedings of the Skylab Flare Workshop, Colorado Associated University Press, p. 17.

  • Wu, S. T. and Hu, Y. Q.: 1981, in V. N. Obridko and E. V. Ivanov (eds.), Proc. of Crimea Solar Max. Year Workshop, Vol. I, p 148.

  • Wu, S. T., Hu, Y. Q., Nakagawa, Y., and Tandberg-Hanssen, E.: 1983, Astrophys. J. 266, 866.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zirin, H. and Tanaka, K.: 1973, Solar Phys. 32, 173.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Y. Q. Hu

    Present address: University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 35899, Huntsville, AL, U.S.A.

    S. T. Wu, Y. Q. Hu & K. R. Krall

  2. Space Science Lab/MSFC/NASA, 35812, AL, U.S.A.

    M. J. Hagyard

  3. NOAA, SEL, 80303, Boulder, CO, U.S.A.

    J. B. Smith Jr.

Authors
  1. S. T. Wu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Y. Q. Hu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. R. Krall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. J. Hagyard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. J. B. Smith Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wu, S.T., Hu, Y.Q., Krall, K.R. et al. Modeling of energy buildup for a flare-productive region. Sol Phys 90, 117–131 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153789

Download citation

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00153789

Keywords

Search

Navigation