MHD solution of interplanetary disturbances generated by simulated velocity perturbations

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i031p05413· OSTI ID:7327945

Dryer, M; Steinolfson, R S

An MHD time-dependent numerical simulation, restricted to the solar equatorial plane, is used to demonstrate the interplanetary disturbances caused by several simplified coronal holes. Each 'hole' is assumed to have a configuration such that the higher solar wind velocity produced within their longitudinal extent is Gausian over a 7-day period at the inner boundary (0.3 AU) of the numerical simulation. A second, twin coronal hole is assumed to rotate on the solar disk behind its predecessor. It is shown that the first coronal hole-produced interplanetary shock ensemble is overtaken by the second ensemble because of the higher velocity, lower density environment into which the latter propagates. A number of features predicted by MHD similarity theory are confirmed by the numerical simulation. These features include (1) strong azimuthal magnetic and plasma density compression, accompanied with the average temperature depression, at the constant surface between forward and reverse shock ensembles, and (2) increasing spatial separation distance between forward and reverse shocks. The study is extended to a heliocentric distance of 10 AU. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Space Environment Laboratory, NOAA, Boulder, Colorado 80302
• OSTI ID: 7327945
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:31; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EXPANSION
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
INTERPLANETARY SPACE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
MECHANICS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA EXPANSION
SHOCK WAVES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
SPACE