The Relation Between Magnetic Field Configuration And The Flux Expansion Factor

  • Lee, Hwan-Hee (School of Space Research, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Magara, Tetsuya (School of Space Research, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • An, Jun-Mo (School of Space Research, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Kang, Ji-Hye (School of Space Research, Kyung Hee University)
  • Published : 2012.04.03

Abstract

In this study we use three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations of flux emergence from solar subsurface layer to corona. In order to study the twist parameter of magnetic field we compare the simulations for strongly twisted and weakly twisted cases. Based on the results, we derive a flux expansion factor of selected flux tubes which is a ratio of expanded cross section to the one measured at the footpoint of the flux tube. To understand the effect of flux expansion factor, we make a comparison between magnetic field configuration and the expansion factor. By using a fitting function of hyperbolic tangent we derive noticeable correlations among the strength of the vertical magnetic field, current density and expansion factor. We discuss what these results tell about the relationship between the twist of emerging field and the mechanism for the solar wind.

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