Stuttgart 2012 – scientific programme
Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help
SYGP: Symposium Gemeinsame Probleme in Fusions- und astrophysikalischen Plasmen
SYGP 3: Contributed Talks
SYGP 3.9: Talk
Monday, March 12, 2012, 18:30–18:45, V55.22
Numerical simulations of expanding magnetic flux ropes — •Jürgen Dreher1, Thomas Tacke1, and Richard Sydora2 — 1Theoretische Physik, Ruhr-Universität Bochum — 2University of Alberta, Edmonton, CA
Magnetic flux ropes play an essential role in astrophysical phenomena like solar prominences and mass ejections. The laboratory experiment FlareLab, which aims at investigating the behavior of such magnetized, current-carrying plasma arches, has recently been equipped with a new plasma source to control different magnetic field configurations.
We report on numerical simulations that are carried out complementary to the experiment in order to identify the relevant processes that lead to the observed morphology and dynamics under varying conditions. Starting with a low-pressure MHD model, we investigate the signatures of kink-like perturbations during the expansion phase as well as the influence of finite resistivity on the evolution and compare this with actual measurements. Further refinement of the simulation model towards a better match of the laboratory conditions, like including finite pressure and the Hall effect, will also be discussed.