HR: 10:20h
AN: SH22A-01    [Abstracts]
TI: 3D MHD simulation and the role of null points in coronal reconnection
AU: Finn, J
EM: finn@lanl.gov
AF: Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS: K717, Los Alamos, NM 87545 United States
AU: * Lapenta, G
EM: lapenta@lanl.gov
AF: Los Alamos National Laboratory, MS: K717, Los Alamos, NM 87545 United States
AB: STEREO represents a quantum leap from the perspective of the simulations. By providing a 2-satellite view it will be able to determine the true 3D stereoscopic view of the structure of the magnetic field lines and to investigate the motions of the field lines. A crucial issue among the key mission objectives is the study of reconnection and coronal mass ejections. The theory of 3D magnetic reconnection is still far from being fully developed. But a pivotal aspect is the role played by null points in the topology changes induced by reconnection [1]. STEREO will provide a unique opportunity to look directly at this issue. We will investigate the role of null points using our simulation tool, FLIP-3D [2], and our diagnostic tools to pick up null points and to study Poincare plots. We will provide evidence of the type of theoretical predictions [3] that will be best compared with STEREO observations. [1] Y. Lau, J. Finn, ApJ, 350, 672 (1990) [2] J.U. Brackbill, JCP, 96, 163 (1991) [3] G. Lapenta, D.A. Knoll, Solar Physics, 214, 107-129 (2003); ApJ, submitted.
DE: 7509 Corona
DE: 7513 Coronal mass ejections
DE: 7827 Kinetic and MHD theory
DE: 7835 Magnetic reconnection
SC: SPA-Solar and Heliospheric Physics [SH]
MN: 2004 AGU Fall Meeting