Critical decay index for eruptions of 'short' filaments

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the critical decay index for eruptions of short solar filaments, revealing that the index can be significantly below unity due to flux rope curvature effects, challenging previous models.

Contribution

It introduces a model considering line-tying conditions and flux rope length, showing a non-monotonous critical decay index dependence on height and length.

Findings

Critical decay index for short filaments is below unity.

Critical index decreases steeply with height at low altitudes.

Flux rope curvature significantly influences eruption conditions.

Abstract

Model of a partial current-carrying torus loop anchored to the photosphere is analyzed. Conditions of the catastrophic loss of equilibrium are considered and corresponding value of the critical decay index of external magnetic field is found. Taking into account line-tying conditions leads to non-monotonous dependence of the critical decay index on the height of the apex and length of the flux rope (its endpoints separation). For relatively short flux ropes, the critical decay index is significantly lower than unity, which is in contrast to widespread models with the typical critical decay index above unity. The steep decrease of the critical index with height at low heights is due to the sharp increase of the curvature of the flux-rope axis that transforms from a nearly straight line to a crescent.