arXiv subjects

L. Linan

Publications and source records attributed to L. Linan.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

CME propagation in the dynamically coupled space weather tool: COCONUT + EUHFORIA

This paper aims to present the time-dependent coupling between the coronal model COolfluid COroNal UnsTructured (COCONUT) and the heliospheric forecasting tool EUHFORIA. We perform six COCONUT simulations where a flux rope is implemented at the solar surface using either the Titov-D\'emoulin CME model or the Regularized Biot-Savart Laws (RBSL) CME model. At regular intervals, the magnetic field, velocity, temperature, and density of the 2D surface $R_{b}=21.5~\;R_{\odot}$ are saved in boundary files. This series of coupling files is read in a modified version of EUHFORIA to update progressively its inner boundary. After presenting the early stage of the propagation in COCONUT, we examine how the disturbance of the solar corona created by the propagation of flux ropes is transmitted into EUHFORIA. In particular, we consider the thermodynamic and magnetic profiles at L1 and compare them with those obtained at the interface between the two models. We demonstrate that the properties of the heliospheric solar wind in EUHFORIA are consistent with those in COCONUT, acting as a direct extension of the coronal domain. Moreover, the disturbances initially created from the propagation of flux ropes in COCONUT continue evolving from the corona in the heliosphere to Earth with a smooth transition at the interface between the two simulations. Looking at the profile of magnetic field components at Earth and different distances from the Sun, we also find that the transient magnetic structures have a self-similar expansion in COCONUT and EUHFORIA. However, the amplitude of the profiles depends on the flux rope model used and its properties, thus emphasizing the important role of the initial properties in solar source regions for accurately predicting the impact of CMEs.

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arXiv2024

SIP-IFVM: Efficient time-accurate magnetohydrodynamic model of the corona and coronal mass ejections

In this paper, we present an efficient and time-accurate three-dimensional (3D) single-fluid MHD solar coronal model and employ it to simulate CME evolution and propagation. Based on a quasi-steady-state implicit MHD coronal model, we developed an efficient time-accurate coronal model that can be used to speed up the CME simulation by selecting a large time-step size. We have called it the Solar Interplanetary Phenomena-Implicit Finite Volume Method (SIP-IFVM) coronal model. A pseudo-time marching method was implemented to improve temporal accuracy. A regularised Biot-Savart Laws (RBSL) flux rope, whose axis can be designed into an arbitrary shape, was inserted into the background corona to trigger the CME event. We performed a CME simulation on the background corona of Carrington rotation (CR) 2219 and evaluated the impact of time-step sizes on simulation results. Our study demonstrates that this model is able to simulate the CME evolution and propagation process from the solar surface to $20\; R_s$ in less than 0.5 hours (192 CPU cores, $\sim$ 1 M cells). Compared to the explicit counterpart, this implicit coronal model is not only faster, but it also has improved numerical stability. We also conducted an ad hoc simulation with initial magnetic fields artificially increased. It shows that this model can effectively deal with time-dependent low-$\beta$ problems ($\beta<10^{-4}$). Additionally, an Orszag-Tang MHD vortex flow simulation demonstrates that the pseudo-time-marching method used in this coronal model can simulate small-scale unsteady-state flows. The simulation results show that this MHD coronal model is very efficient and numerically stable. It is a promising approach to simulating time-varying events in the solar corona with low plasma $\beta$ in a timely and accurate manner.

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arXiv2024

How coronal mass ejections are influenced by the morphology and toroidal flux of their source magnetic flux ropes?

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) stand as intense eruptions of magnetized plasma from the Sun, playing a pivotal role in driving significant changes of the heliospheric environment. Deducing the properties of CMEs from their progenitors in solar source regions is crucial for space weather forecasting. Deducing the properties of CMEs from their progenitors in solar source regions is crucial for space weather forecasting. The primary objective of this paper is to establish a connection between CMEs and their progenitors in solar source regions, enabling us to infer the magnetic structures of CMEs before their full development. To this end, we create a dataset comprising a magnetic flux rope series with varying projection shapes, sizes and toroidal fluxes, using the Regularized Biot-Savart Laws (RBSL). Thereafter, we simulate the propagation of these flux ropes from the solar surface to a distance of 25$R_{\odot}$ with our global coronal MHD model which is named COCONUT. Our parametric survey reveals significant impacts of source flux ropes on the consequent CMEs. We find that the projection shape can influence the magnetic structures of CMEs at 20$R_{\odot}$, albeit with minimal impacts on the propagation speed. However, these impacts diminish as source flux ropes become fat. In terms of toroidal flux, our simulation results demonstrate a pronounced correlation with the propagation speed of CMEs, as well as the successfulness in erupting. This work builds the bridge between the CMEs in the outer corona and their progenitors in solar source regions. Our parametric survey suggests that the projection shape, cross-section radius and toroidal flux of source flux ropes are crucial parameters in predicting magnetic structures and propagation speed of CMEs, providing valuable insights for space weather prediction.

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arXiv2023

Modelling the propagation of coronal mass ejections with COCONUT: implementation of the Regularized Biot-Savart Laws flux rope model

Context: Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are rapid eruptions of magnetized plasma that occur on the Sun, which are known as the main drivers of adverse space weather. Accurately tracking their evolution in the heliosphere in numerical models is of utmost importance for space weather forecasting. Aims: The main objective of this paper is to implement the Regularized Biot-Savart Laws (RBSL) method in a new global corona model COCONUT. This approach has the capability to construct the magnetic flux rope with an axis of arbitrary shape. Methods: We present the implementation process of the RBSL flux rope model in COCONUT, which is superposed onto a realistic solar wind reconstructed from the observed magnetogram around the minimum of solar activity. Based on this, we simulate the propagation of an S-shaped flux rope from the solar surface to a distance of 25 solar radii. Results: Our simulation successfully reproduces the birth process of a CME originating from a sigmoid in a self-consistent way. The model effectively captures various physical processes and retrieves the prominent features of the CMEs in observations. In addition, the simulation results indicate that the magnetic topology of the CME flux rope at around 20 solar radii deviates from a coherent structure, and manifests as a mix of open and closed field lines with diverse footpoints. Conclusions: This work demonstrates the potential of the RBSL flux rope model in reproducing CME events that are more consistent with observations. Moreover, our findings strongly suggest that magnetic reconnection during the CME propagation plays a critical role in destroying the coherent characteristic of a CME flux rope.

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arXiv2023

Toroidal Miller-Turner and Soloviev CME models in EUHFORIA: I. Implementation

The aim of this paper is to present the implementation of two new CME models in the space weather forecasting tool, EUHFORIA. We introduce the two toroidal CME models analytically, along with their numerical implementation in EUHFORIA. One model is based on the modified Miller-Turner (mMT) solution, while the other is derived from the Soloviev equilibrium, a specific solution of the Grad-Shafranov equation. The magnetic field distribution in both models is provided in analytic formulae, enabling a swift numerical computation. After detailing the differences between the two models, we present a collection of thermodynamic and magnetic profiles obtained at Earth using these CME solutions in EUHFORIA with a realistic solar wind background. Subsequently, we explore the influence of their initial parameters on the time profiles at L1. In particular, we examine the impact of the initial density, magnetic field strength, velocity, and minor radius. In EUHFORIA, we obtained different thermodynamic and magnetic profiles depending on the CME model used. We found that changing the initial parameters affects both the amplitude and the trend of the time profiles. For example, using a high initial speed results in a fast evolving and compressed magnetic structure. The speed of the CME is also linked to the strength of the initial magnetic field due to the contribution of the Lorentz force on the CME expansion. However, increasing the initial magnetic field also increases the computation time. Finally, the expansion and integrity of the magnetic structure can be controlled via the initial density of the CME. Both toroidal CME models are successfully implemented in EUHFORIA and can be utilized to predict the geo-effectiveness of the impact of real CME events. Moreover, the current implementation could be easily modified to model other toroidal magnetic configurations.

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arXiv2023

Self-consistent propagation of flux ropes in realistic coronal simulations

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the possible use of the new coronal model COCONUT to compute a detailed representation of a numerical CME at 0.1~AU, after its injection at the solar surface and propagation in a realistic solar wind, as derived from observed magnetograms. We present the implementation and propagation of modified Titov-D\'emoulin (TDm) flux ropes in the COCONUT 3D MHD coronal model. The background solar wind is reconstructed in order to model two opposite configurations representing a solar activity maximum and minimum respectively. Both were derived from magnetograms which were obtained by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) satellite. We track the propagation of 24 flux ropes, which differ only by their initial magnetic flux. We especially investigate the geometry of the flux rope during the early stages of the propagation as well as the influence of its initial parameters and solar wind configuration on 1D profiles derived at 0.1~AU. At the beginning of the propagation, the shape of the flux ropes varies between simulations during low and high solar activity. We find dynamics that are consistent with the standard CME model, such as the pinching of the legs and the appearance of post-flare loops. Despite the differences in geometry, the synthetic density and magnetic field time profiles at 0.1~AU are very similar in both solar wind configurations. These profiles are similar to those observed further in the heliosphere and suggest the presence of a magnetic ejecta composed of the initially implemented flux rope and a sheath ahead of it. Finally, we uncover relationships between the properties of the magnetic ejecta, such as density or speed and the initial magnetic flux of our flux ropes.

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arXiv2022

Comparison of magnetic energy and helicity in coronal jet simulations

While free/non-potential magnetic energy is a necessary element of any active phenomenon in the solar corona, its role as a marker of the trigger of eruptive process remains elusive. Based on the unique decomposition of the magnetic field into potential and non-potential components, magnetic energy and helicity can also both be uniquely decomposed into two quantities. Using two 3D MHD parametric simulations of a configuration that can produce coronal jets, we compare the dynamics of the magnetic energies and of the relative magnetic helicities. Both simulations share the same initial set-up and line-tied bottom-boundary driving profile. However, they differ by the duration of the forcing. In one simulation the system is driven sufficiently so that an helical jet is induced. The generation of the jet is however markedly delayed: a relatively long phase of lower-intensity reconnection takes place before the jet is eventually induced. In the other reference simulation, the system is driven during a shorter time, and no jet is produced. As expected, we observe that the Jet producing simulation contains a higher value of non-potential energy and non-potential helicity. Focusing on the phase between the end of the driving-phase and the jet generation, we note that magnetic energies remain relatively constant, while magnetic helicities have a noticeable evolution. During this post-driving phase, the ratio of the non-potential to total magnetic energy very slightly decreases while the helicity eruptivity index significantly increases. The jet is generated when the system is at the highest value of this helicity eruptivity index. This proxy critically decreases during the jet generation phase. The free energy also decreases but does not present any peak when the jet is being generated.

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arXiv2019

Magnetic helicity budget of solar active regions prolific of eruptive and confined flares

We compare the coronal magnetic energy and helicity of two solar active regions (ARs), prolific in major eruptive (AR~11158) and confined (AR~12192) flaring, and analyze the potential of deduced proxies to forecast upcoming flares. Based on nonlinear force-free (NLFF) coronal magnetic field models with a high degree of solenoidality, and applying three different computational methods to investigate the coronal magnetic helicity, we are able to draw conclusions with a high level of confidence. Based on real observations of two solar ARs we checked trends regarding the potential eruptivity of the active-region corona, as suggested earlier in works that were based on numerical simulations, or solar observations. Our results support that the ratio of current-carrying to total helicity, $|H_\mathrm{J}|/|H_\mathrm{V}|$, shows a strong ability to indicate the eruptive potential of a solar AR. However, $|H_\mathrm{J}|/|H_\mathrm{V}|$ seems not to be indicative for the magnitude or type of an upcoming flare (confined or eruptive). Interpreted in context with earlier observational studies, our findings furthermore support that the total relative helicity normalized to the magnetic flux at the NLFF model's lower boundary, $H_\mathrm{V}/\phi^2$, represents no indicator for the eruptivity.

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arXiv2019

Magnetic helicity and eruptivity in active region 12673

Context. In September 2017 the largest X-class flare of Solar Cycle 24 occurred from the most active region (AR) of this cycle, AR 12673. The AR attracted much interest because of its unique morphological and evolution characteristics. Among the parameters examined in the AR was magnetic helicity, but either only approximately, and/or intermittently. Aims. This work is interested in studying the evolution of the relative magnetic helicity and of the two components of its decomposition, the non-potential, and the volume-threading one, in the time interval around the highest activity of AR 12673. Special emphasis is given on the study of the ratio of the non-potential to total helicity, that was recently proposed as an indicator of ARs eruptivity. Methods. For these, we first approximate the coronal magnetic field of the AR with two different optimization-based extrapolation procedures, and choose the one that produces the most reliable helicity value at each instant. Moreover, in one of these methods, we weight the optimization by the uncertainty estimates derived from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) instrument, for the first time. We then follow an accurate method to compute all quantities of interest. Results. The first observational determination of the evolution of the non-potential to total helicity ratio seems to confirm the quality it has in indicating eruptivity. This ratio increases before the major flares of AR 12673, and afterwards it relaxes to smaller values. Additionally, the evolution patterns of the various helicity, and energy budgets of AR 12673 are discussed and compared with other works.

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