THREE-DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS OF MAGNETIZED WINDS OF SOLAR-LIKE STARS
- University of Sao Paulo, Rua do Matao 1226, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-090 (Brazil)
- George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 (United States)
By means of self-consistent three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) numerical simulations, we analyze magnetized solar-like stellar winds and their dependence on the plasma-{beta} parameter (the ratio between thermal and magnetic energy densities). This is the first study to perform such analysis solving the fully ideal three-dimensional MHD equations. We adopt in our simulations a heating parameter described by {gamma}, which is responsible for the thermal acceleration of the wind. We analyze winds with polar magnetic field intensities ranging from 1 to 20 G. We show that the wind structure presents characteristics that are similar to the solar coronal wind. The steady-state magnetic field topology for all cases is similar, presenting a configuration of helmet streamer-type, with zones of closed field lines and open field lines coexisting. Higher magnetic field intensities lead to faster and hotter winds. For the maximum magnetic intensity simulated of 20 G and solar coronal base density, the wind velocity reaches values of {approx}1000 km s{sup -1} at r {approx} 20r {sub 0} and a maximum temperature of {approx}6 x 10{sup 6} K at r {approx} 6r {sub 0}. The increase of the field intensity generates a larger 'dead zone' in the wind, i.e., the closed loops that inhibit matter to escape from latitudes lower than {approx}45 deg. extend farther away from the star. The Lorentz force leads naturally to a latitude-dependent wind. We show that by increasing the density and maintaining B {sub 0} = 20 G the system recover back to slower and cooler winds. For a fixed {gamma}, we show that the key parameter in determining the wind velocity profile is the {beta}-parameter at the coronal base. Therefore, there is a group of magnetized flows that would present the same terminal velocity despite its thermal and magnetic energy densities, as long as the plasma-{beta} parameter is the same. This degeneracy, however, can be removed if we compare other physical parameters of the wind, such as the mass-loss rate. We analyze the influence of {gamma} in our results and we show that it is also important in determining the wind structure.
- OSTI ID:
- 21307658
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 699, Issue 1; Other Information: DOI: 10.1088/0004-637X/699/1/441; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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