Previous
abstract 
Next
abstract
Session 70 - Solar Flares and Ejections.
Display session, Thursday, June 13
Tripp Commons,
A new theoretical model of prominence eruption is developed using an integrated magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approach. The model starts with an equilibrium flux rope which contains a hot plasma component and a denser cold component, qualitatively resembling prominence cavities with embedded prominences. Topologically, the structure is similar to the Kuperus-Raadu model. The ``eruption'' of the entire flux rope is triggered by injection of magnetic flux associated with the current. The model describes the evolution of the loop based on macroscopic quantities such as the forces, apex speed and height from the Sun, and magnetic field. The dense cold component, which is assumed to drain out near the Sun, significantly influences the resulting magnetic structure in the heliosphere. The dynamics of the well-known three-part CME-cavity-prominence structure are modeled. In interplanetary space, it is shown that the initial flux rope magnetic field and hot cavity plasma evolve to resemble observed magnetic clouds. Another scenario of eruption in which the magnetic field lines of the initial flux rope are quasi-statically twisted up is discussed. The motion of flux ropes near the Sun (< 30 solar radii) as well as to 5 AU is discussed for the different scenarios.
Work sponsored by ONR.
