Sunspots and the physics of magnetic flux tubes. VI. Convective propulsion

Journal Article · Wed Aug 15 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/157287· OSTI ID:5939833

Parker, E N

It is demonstrated that a cylinder moving in an ideal fluid subject to convective instability is propelled forward in its motion by the convective forces. The characteristic acceleration time is comparable to the onset time of convective motions in the fluid. This convective propulsion is a powerful effect on the magnetic flux tubes in the convective zone of the Sun, comparable to the forces of magnetic buoyancy and to the aerodynamic lift and drag exerted on the tube. The convective propulsion tends to amplify the existing motions of the flux tubes. The rate of rise of a buoyant flux tube may be significantly more rapid than calculated from conventional aerodynamic drag.It should also be noted that the convective forces exert a strong drag on a body moving through a stably stratified ideal fluid.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago
• OSTI ID: 5939833
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 232:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
AERODYNAMICS
CONVECTIVE INSTABILITIES
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INSTABILITY
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PLASMA INSTABILITY
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SUNSPOTS