Topological constraints in magnetic field relaxation
arXiv:1303.4090 · doi:10.1088/1742-6596/544/1/012006
Abstract
Stability and reconnection of magnetic fields play a fundamental role in natural and man-made plasma. In these applications the field's topology determines the stability of the magnetic field. Here I will describe the importance of one topology quantifier, the magnetic helicity, which impedes any free decay of the magnetic energy. Further constraints come from the fixed point index which hinders the field to relax into the Taylor state.
5 pages, 7 figures, proceedings of "Knotted, Linked and Tangled Flux in Quantum and Classical Systems"