THE SIZE AND DYNAMICS OF MAGNETIC-FLUX STRUCTURES IN MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC TURBULENCE

The structures in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow, flux tubes in particular, are investigated with respect to coherence in the direction of the magnetic field. A length scale, which is interpreted as the diameter of the tubes, is derived from the MHD equations. This scale implies that the tendency towards alignment of flux lines in tubes is a diffusion driven phenomenon. The dynamics of the tubes is also investigated; the major conclusion is that stronger tubes are expected to be straighter. These ideas are tested out on data from numerical simulations of turbulent MHD convection. It is also seen that alignment of flux lines increases with the strength of the tube. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed. © 1995 American Institute of Physics.