Transformation of solar wind energy and helicity spectra in the frame of magnetohydrodynamics shell modeling

Abstract

Based on the data recorded during the Parker Solar Probe mission, it can be suggested that there is no balance between kinetic and magnetic energy in the vicinity of the Sun. The spectra collected at different radial distances show an energy transfer from one component to another, followed by a change in inertial range slope and large-scale break shifted towards lower wavenumbers. Using the shell (cascade) modeling approach, we attempt to explain and understand this observed spectra transformation, considering a free-decay turbulence process and modeling a simple transition to a quasi-stationary equilibrium between the magnetic and kinetic energies. Varying the parameters of turbulence mirror asymmetry (helicity), we numerically simulate changes in spectral indices, large-scale shift position, and inertial range transformations, comparing our model results with spacecraft observations of solar wind turbulence. We present and discuss the chaotic nature of the spectral magnetic helicity distributions, as well as the fact that helicity can accumulate at large scales. The applicability of a simple MHD shell model to repeat the key features of solar wind turbulence dynamics offers wide possibilities for its further use.

Received 26 November, 2025 Revised 20 March, 2026 Accepted 16 April, 2026 Published 12 May, 2026

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