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Topological constraints on magnetic field relaxation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 July 2013

Simon Candelaresi
Affiliation:
NORDITA, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, Roslagstullsbacken 23, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden and Department of Astronomy, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
Axel Brandenburg
Affiliation:
NORDITA, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, Roslagstullsbacken 23, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden and Department of Astronomy, AlbaNova University Center, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract

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Magnetic field relaxation is determined by both the field's geometry and its topology. For relaxation processes, however, it turns out that its topology is a much more stringent constraint. As quantifier for the topology we use magnetic helicity and test whether it is a stronger condition than the linking of field lines. Further, we search for evidence of other topological invariants, which give rise to further restrictions in the field's relaxation. We find that magnetic helicity is the sole determinant in most cases. Nevertheless, we see evidence for restrictions not captured through magnetic helicity.

Type
Contributed Papers
Copyright
Copyright © International Astronomical Union 2013 

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