Generic model for magnetic explosions applied to solar flares

TL;DR

This paper proposes a universal model for magnetic explosions, including solar flares, based on magnetospheric substorm principles, emphasizing energy transport and current dynamics during explosive events.

Contribution

It introduces a generic magnetic explosion model applicable to solar flares, highlighting the role of large-scale currents and Alfvénic energy transport.

Findings

Model links energy-release and particle-acceleration regions.

Explains current setup driven by changing magnetic flux.

Applies to idealized quadrupolar flare configuration.

Abstract

An accepted model for magnetospheric substorms is proposed as the basis for a generic model for magnetic explosions, and is applied to solar flares. The model involves widely separated energy-release and particle-acceleration regions, with energy transported Alfv\'enically between them. On a global scale, these regions are coupled by a large-scale current that is set up during the explosion by redirection of pre-existing current associated with the stored magnetic energy. The explosion-related current is driven by an electromotive force (EMF) due to the changing magnetic flux enclosed by this current. The current path and the EMF are identified for an idealized quadrupolar model for a flare.