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The evolution of magnetic flux ropes in sheared plasma flows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2000

J. M. SCHMIDT  and
P. J. CARGILL
J. M. SCHMIDT
Affiliation:
Space and Atmospheric Physics, The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ
P. J. CARGILL
Affiliation:
Space and Atmospheric Physics, The Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College, London SW7 2BZ
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Abstract

The evolution of magnetic flux ropes in a sheared plasma flow is investigated. When the magnetic field outside the flux rope lies parallel to the axis of the flux rope, a flux rope of circular cross-section, whose centre is located at the midpoint of the shear layer, has its shape distorted, but remains in the shear layer. Small displacements of the flux-rope centre above or below the midpoint of the shear layer lead to the flux-rope being expelled from the shear layer. This motion arises because small asymmetries in the plasma pressure around the flux-rope boundary leads to a force that forces the flux rope into a region of uniform flow. When the magnetic field outside the flux rope lies in a plane perpendicular to the flux-rope axis, the flux rope and external magnetic field reconnect with each other, leading to the destruction of the flux rope.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Plasma Physics , Volume 64 , Issue 1 , July 2000 , pp. 41 - 55
Copyright
2000 Cambridge University Press

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