Nonlinear Alfv\'en wave dynamics at a 2D magnetic null point: ponderomotive force

TL;DR

This study explores how low-amplitude Alfvén waves behave nonlinearly near a 2D magnetic null point, revealing sustained disturbances and wave generation mechanisms not present in linear theory.

Contribution

It demonstrates that nonlinear magnetic pressure gradients cause Alfvén waves to produce cospatial disturbances and generate fast magnetoacoustic waves, extending understanding beyond linear models.

Findings

Alfvén waves sustain transverse and longitudinal disturbances due to nonlinear effects.

A fast magnetoacoustic wave is generated, transporting wave energy towards the null point.

No further nonlinear generation of fast waves occurs after initial propagation.

Abstract

Context : In the linear, {\beta}=0 MHD regime, the transient properties of MHD waves in the vicinity of 2D null points are well known. The waves are decoupled and accumulate at predictable parts of the magnetic topology: fast waves accumulate at the null point; whereas Alfv\'en waves cannot cross the separatricies. However, in nonlinear MHD mode conversion can occur at regions of inhomogeneous Alfv\'en speed, suggesting that the decoupled nature of waves may not extend to the nonlinear regime. Aims: We investigate the behaviour of low-amplitude Alfv\'en waves about a 2D magnetic null point in nonlinear, {\beta}= 0 MHD. Methods: We numerically simulate the introduction of low-amplitude Alfv\'en waves into the vicinity of a magnetic null point using the nonlinear LARE2D code. Results: Unlike in the linear regime, we find that the Alfv\'en wave sustains cospatial daughter disturbances, manifest in the transverse and longitudinal fluid velocity, owing to the action of nonlinear magnetic pressure gradients (viz. the ponderomotive force). These disturbances are dependent on the Alfv\'en wave and do not interact with the medium to excite magnetoacoustic waves, although the transverse daughter becomes focused at the null point. Additionally, an independently propagating fast magnetoacoustic wave is generated during the early stages, which transports some of the initial Alfv\'en wave energy towards the null point. Subsequently, despite undergoing dispersion and phase-mixing due to gradients in the Alfv\'en-speed profile (Grad c_A \neq 0) there is no further nonlinear generation of fast waves. Conclusions: We find that Alfv\'en waves at 2D cold null points behave largely as in the linear regime, however they sustain transverse and longitudinal disturbances - effects absent in the linear regime - due to nonlinear magnetic pressure gradients.