A new class of discontinuous solar wind solutions

Bidzina M. Shergelashvili*, Velentin N. Melnik, Grigol Dididze, Horst Fichtner, Günter Brenn, Stefaan Poedts, Holger Foysi, Maxim L. Khodachenko, Teimuraz V. Zaqarahvili

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new class of one-dimensional solar wind models is developed within the general polytropic, single-fluid hydrodynamic framework. The particular case of quasi-adiabatic radial expansion with a localized heating source is considered. We consider analytical solutions with continuous Mach number over the entire radial domain while allowing for jumps in the flow velocity, density, and temperature, provided that there exists an external source of energy in the vicinity of the critical point that supports such jumps in physical quantities. This is substantially distinct from both the standard Parker solar wind model and the original nozzle solutions, where such discontinuous solutions are not permissible. We obtain novel sample analytic solutions of the governing equations corresponding to both slow and fast winds.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1023-1034
Number of pages12
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume496
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

Keywords

  • Methods: Analytical
  • Solar wind
  • Sun: Corona
  • Sun: Fundamental parameters
  • Sun: Heliosphere

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

Fields of Expertise

  • Sustainable Systems
  • Mobility & Production

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