Tag

Magnetohydrodynamics

All articles tagged with #magnetohydrodynamics

High-Resolution Solar Observations Uncover Ubiquitous Magnetic Vortex Instabilities at the Sun's Surface
science20 days ago

High-Resolution Solar Observations Uncover Ubiquitous Magnetic Vortex Instabilities at the Sun's Surface

New DKIST observations reveal ubiquitous magnetized Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities at the edges of magnetic flux concentrations in the solar photosphere, confirming long-standing theory. The vortices and stripe-like features seen in 416 nm filtergrams closely match 3D radiation-MHD MURaM simulations, showing KHIs generate strong shear at magnetic boundaries, drive turbulence, and enable plasma and magnetic-field mixing across multiple vertical layers. The analysis yields KHI wavelengths of roughly 50–70 km (with a 25–170 km observed range), growth rates ~0.01–0.05 s−1, and apparent phase speeds of ~0.7–3 km s−1, implying KHIs contribute to flux transport and magnetic-field braiding in the Sun’s magnetized atmosphere.

Magnetism Steers Sun‑Like Stars’ Spin Across a Lifetime, Study Says
space5 months ago

Magnetism Steers Sun‑Like Stars’ Spin Across a Lifetime, Study Says

A high‑resolution magnetohydrodynamic simulation of solar‑type interiors on Japan’s Fugaku supercomputer shows sun‑like stars maintain a solar‑like rotation (equator speeds ahead of the poles) throughout their lifetimes, overturning a 45‑year theory of anti‑solar rotation and highlighting the dominant role of magnetic fields and turbulence; the model reproduces the Sun’s rotation and predicts the magnetic field weakens gradually with age, though direct observations remain challenging.

"Navigating the Trials of Hypersonic Flight"
aerospace-technology2 years ago

"Navigating the Trials of Hypersonic Flight"

Researchers are exploring the challenges of steering hypersonic planes, which travel at more than five times the speed of sound, through plasma using magnetohydrodynamics to manipulate the flow pattern of electrically charged particles. Conventional control surfaces are not viable due to the forces and heat involved, prompting the need for a different approach. Dr. Hisham Ali and his team are building a plasma wind tunnel to test these ideas, with potential applications in spacecraft deceleration and military missile guidance. The feasibility of hypersonic passenger flight remains uncertain, but the research represents a step towards this possibility.

Mapping the Largest Magnetic Fields in Galaxy Clusters Using Synchrotron Intensity Gradient
science2 years ago

Mapping the Largest Magnetic Fields in Galaxy Clusters Using Synchrotron Intensity Gradient

Scientists have used a method called synchrotron intensity gradient (SIG) to map the largest magnetic fields in galaxy clusters, revealing the impact of galactic mergers on magnetic-field structures and challenging previous assumptions about the efficiency of turbulent dynamo processes in amplifying these fields. This technique provides a unique perspective on magnetic field structures and offers a tool to compare numerical expectations from simulations with observational data, opening new avenues for understanding cluster dynamics, evolution, heat conduction, and cosmic ray acceleration.

"Revolutionary NASA Plasma Tech Cuts Hypersonic Flight Drag"
space-technology2 years ago

"Revolutionary NASA Plasma Tech Cuts Hypersonic Flight Drag"

NASA's Technology Transfer Program is licensing a new form of propulsion that uses electromagnets to control the flow of plasma over aircraft and spacecraft during hypersonic flight. The concept involves electrodes embedded on the heat shield, which capture the electrical charge in the ionized gas flow outside the craft. An electromagnet beneath the heat shield can then control the flow of gas to reduce drag or steer the vehicle. This magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) system is simpler than conventional methods and enables new mission architectures for entry, descent, and landing. NASA invites companies to apply for licensing the technology.