Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamic Wave Coupling and Dissipation in the Solar Corona

University Of California-Irvine, Irvine CA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract: ATM 99-86058 Proposal Title: Nonlinear Magnetohydrodynamic Wave Coupling and Dissipation in the Solar Corona Principal Investigator: Yung Mok, University of California, Irvine The investigator will examine the possibility that the solar corona is heated by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves excited at the photosphere. The main effort is to concentrate on numerical investigation of inhomogeneous background effects on wave propagation and dissipation, using a sequence of idealized models that are nonetheless significant advances over previous work. Idealizations to be studied include a model of transverse gradients, a model of longitudinal gradients, and a model of curvature effects. . Critical processes involve the development of thin layers where the variables have high gradients, and nonlinear processes that exchange energy among modes and among the fundamental and harmonics. The project consists of basic numerical experimentation with a goal of elucidating properties and evaluating existing models of the corona and the energy and heating budgets associated with its fluctuations.