Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection

We conducted data-constrained magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations for solar active region (AR) NOAA AR 11429, which produced two X-class flares within a span of 63 minutes. The simulations were performed using the zero- β MHD approximation, with the initial condition derived from the nonlinear for...

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Main Authors: Nian Liu, Satoshi Inoue, Ying Wang, Haimin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IOP Publishing 2025-01-01
Series:The Astrophysical Journal
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/adba56
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author Nian Liu
Satoshi Inoue
Ying Wang
Haimin Wang
author_facet Nian Liu
Satoshi Inoue
Ying Wang
Haimin Wang
author_sort Nian Liu
collection DOAJ
description We conducted data-constrained magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations for solar active region (AR) NOAA AR 11429, which produced two X-class flares within a span of 63 minutes. The simulations were performed using the zero- β MHD approximation, with the initial condition derived from the nonlinear force-free field extrapolated from the photospheric magnetograms taken 2 hr before the first X5.4 flare. During the simulation, we enhanced magnetic reconnection locally by applying anomalous resistivity in the induction equation within the regions of interest. As a result, the simulations successfully reproduced the expansion of two magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) corresponding to the two observed eruptions. The result shows that the difference in stability between the two MFRs is related to the location of the magnetic reconnection that triggers the solar eruptions. Furthermore, comparison with the analysis of failed MFR eruptions indicates that both the initiation reconnection and the subsequent driving mechanism, torus instability, are equally important for a successful eruption. This simulation reveals a new mechanism in which long loops, formed via tether-cutting reconnection, push up the overlying twisted field lines, leading to their destabilization by torus instability.
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spelling doaj-art-3802ea4bbdfe46c29a58d1de9da7c3d42025-08-20T03:04:21ZengIOP PublishingThe Astrophysical Journal1538-43572025-01-0198313810.3847/1538-4357/adba56Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic ReconnectionNian Liu0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6018-3799Satoshi Inoue1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5121-5122Ying Wang2https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7623-0140Haimin Wang3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5233-565XInstitute for Space Weather Sciences , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102-1982, USA ; nian.liu@njit.eduInstitute for Space Weather Sciences , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102-1982, USA ; nian.liu@njit.eduInstitute for Space Weather Sciences , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102-1982, USA ; nian.liu@njit.eduInstitute for Space Weather Sciences , New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102-1982, USA ; nian.liu@njit.edu; Big Bear Solar Observatory , New Jersey Institute of Technology, 40386 North Shore Lane, Big Bear City, CA 92314-9672, USAWe conducted data-constrained magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations for solar active region (AR) NOAA AR 11429, which produced two X-class flares within a span of 63 minutes. The simulations were performed using the zero- β MHD approximation, with the initial condition derived from the nonlinear force-free field extrapolated from the photospheric magnetograms taken 2 hr before the first X5.4 flare. During the simulation, we enhanced magnetic reconnection locally by applying anomalous resistivity in the induction equation within the regions of interest. As a result, the simulations successfully reproduced the expansion of two magnetic flux ropes (MFRs) corresponding to the two observed eruptions. The result shows that the difference in stability between the two MFRs is related to the location of the magnetic reconnection that triggers the solar eruptions. Furthermore, comparison with the analysis of failed MFR eruptions indicates that both the initiation reconnection and the subsequent driving mechanism, torus instability, are equally important for a successful eruption. This simulation reveals a new mechanism in which long loops, formed via tether-cutting reconnection, push up the overlying twisted field lines, leading to their destabilization by torus instability.https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/adba56Solar flaresMagnetohydrodynamicsSolar active region magnetic fieldsMagnetohydrodynamical simulations
spellingShingle Nian Liu
Satoshi Inoue
Ying Wang
Haimin Wang
Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
The Astrophysical Journal
Solar flares
Magnetohydrodynamics
Solar active region magnetic fields
Magnetohydrodynamical simulations
title Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
title_full Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
title_fullStr Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
title_full_unstemmed Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
title_short Data-constrained Magnetohydrodynamic Simulation for Magnetic Flux Rope Eruptions Driven by Magnetic Reconnection
title_sort data constrained magnetohydrodynamic simulation for magnetic flux rope eruptions driven by magnetic reconnection
topic Solar flares
Magnetohydrodynamics
Solar active region magnetic fields
Magnetohydrodynamical simulations
url https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/adba56
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