Magnetic explosions: role of the inductive electric field

Abstract

Inclusion of the inductive electric field, ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}$ due to the temporally changing $\mathbf{B}$, in magnetic explosions is discussed, with emphasis on solar flares. Several roles played by ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}$ are identified: on a global scale, ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}$ produces the EMF that drives the explosion; the associated ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}\times \mathbf{B}$ drift is identified with the inflow of magnetic field lines into a reconnection region; the polarization current, associated with $\partial {\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}/\partial t$, implies a $\mathbf{J}\times \mathbf{B}$ force that accelerates this inflow; and the component of ${\mathbf{E}}_{\mathrm{ind}}$ parallel to $\mathbf{B}$ accelerates the energetic electrons that cause hard X-ray emission and type III radio bursts. Some simple models that describe these effects are presented. A resolution of the long-standing "number problem" in solar flares is suggested.

References in corpus (2)

• Impulsive phase flare energy transport by large-scale Alfven waves and the electron acceleration problem
• Generic model for magnetic explosions applied to solar flares

Cited by in corpus (6)

• Study of Rapid Formation of a Delta Sunspot Associated with the 2012 July 2 C7.4 Flare Using High-resolution Observations of New Solar Telescope
• Electric Current Circuits in Astrophysics
• Current-driven flare and CME models
• Bulk Energization of Electrons in Solar Flares by Alfvén Waves
• Generic model for magnetic explosions applied to solar flares
• Transfer of Energy, Potential, and Current by Alfvén Waves in Solar Flares