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The rapid dissipation of magnetic fields in highly conducting fluidsThe dynamical conditions that exist when long straight parallel twisted flux tubes in a highly conducting fluid are packed together in a broad array are treated. It is shown that in general there is no hydrostatic equilibrium. In place of equilibrium, there is a dynamical nonequilibrium, which leads to neutral point reconnection and progressive coalescence of neighboring tubes (with the same sense of twisting); this in turn forms tubes of large diameter and reduced twist. The magnetic energy in the twisting of each tube declines toward zero, being dissipated into small-scale motions of the fluid and thence into heat. Referring to the sun, it is pointed out that the twisting and mutual wrapping is converted directly into fluid motion and heat by the dynamical nonequilibrium, so that the work done by the convection of the footpoints goes directly into heating the corona above.
Document ID
19830037712
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Parker, E. N.
(Chicago, University Chicago, IL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
Volume: 22
Issue: 3-4,
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
83A18930
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-14-001-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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