Work

Knot Probability of Random Magnetic Field Lines

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, we apply several latest results from statistical physics on the probability and energy of knotting to study the knotted field lines in solar corona. Since the solar magnetic field in small scale can be seen as nearly random, by assuming that the magnetic field lines behave similarly to random loops, we find the probability P of certain knot type K for the field line knotting as a function to the distance L between the foot-points of sunspots, which is PK(L)=CKL2αKexp(−L2β). From the equation, we find that the variety of knot type increases with the distance. Since knotting is the topological resemblance to magnetic helicity, which is an invariant for ideal MHD, our result enriches the understanding of the probability of magnetic helicity as well as field line structure in active regions. Based on the relation between knotting and magnetic energy, we provide support to the high variety of field line knot types.

Source: Universe

DOI: 10.3390/universe11040110

Authors: Anda Xiong, Shangbin Yang, Xin Liu

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing Normal University, National Astronomical Observatories, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China