Inhibition of conductive heat flow by magnetic constriction in the corona and transition region - Dependence on the shape of the constriction

Attention is given to the process by which the shape of the constriction of field lines inhibiting the conduction of heat down from the corona acts in conjunction with the degree of constriction to inhibit the heat flow. The analytical model for the heat flow involves tapered flux tubes in which the plasma properties are constant on cross sections, while the plasma is static and the only energy transfer is by thermal conduction. It is determined that only two specific solutions to the model are applicable to the solar atmosphere: the steady state, which is appropriate for quiet regions and for active ones that are not flaring, and the time-dependent case, in which no heat enters the hot end, which is appropriate for conductive cooling of flare loops.