Two-dimensional magnetostatic equilibria and their stability

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/166568· OSTI ID:6726126

Hu, Y Q

A class of analytic solutions is presented to study two-dimensional magnetostatic equlibria and their stability, ignoring the energy equation. A magnetostatic equilibrium solution is constructed for an arbitrary potential magnetic field by introducing two functions of its magnetic flux function to vary the magnetic field strength on the fixed field lines, changing the thermodynamic structure of the plasma so that the mechanical equilibrium in the presence of an external gravity is satisfied. It is found that the instabilities of such equilibria are associated with gas pressure gradients parallel to the magnetic field and electric currents. Some general criteria are given for these instabilities, and their application is illustrated by examples. 16 references.

• Research Organization: High Altitude Observatory, Boulder, CO (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6726126
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 331; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640100* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION
ASTROPHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS OF STATE
EQUILIBRIUM
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
MHD EQUILIBRIUM
PLASMA
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
STABILITY
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
USES