NAM logo, by David Le Conte

Three-dimensional magnetohydrostatic models of coronal structures

Thomas Neukirch (St. Andrews)

In this talk I will discuss the theory of magnetohydrodynamic equilibria and their applicability to model plasma structures in the solar corona from different points of view. Special attention will be paid to the theory of three-dimensional equilibrium solutions. After providing a general theoretical framework for equilibrium models of coronal plasma structures, I will review the theory of analytical magnetohydrostatic solutions and present some new results which have enhanced the potential for their application, especially for magnetic field extrapolation, considerably.

Another important aspect of MHD equilibrium theory results from the fact that one can consider the corona as an extremely complicated dynamical system. Following the general approach of dynamical systems theory, it is useful to start the investigation of such a system by considering the bifurcation and stability properties of the stationary states first. Such an approach can for example provide a basis to find criteria for the onset of eruptive processes.

Maintained by Ian Howarth