Nonlinear development of MHD waves in coronal loops

Abstract

The solar corona, modelled by a low β, resistive plasma slab sustains MHD wave propagations due to footpoint motions in the photosphere. The numerical simulation presents the evolution of MHD waves and the formation of current sheets. Steep gradients at the slab edges, which are signatures of resonance layers are observed. Singularities are removed by the inclusion of finite resistivity. The fast waves develop kink modes. As the plasma evolves the current sheets which provide heating at the edges fragment into two current sheets at each edge which in turn come closer when the twist is enhanced.