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Generalization of Elliptical-Cylindrical Flux Rope Models for ICME Reconstruction

Marti Masso Moreno, Carlos Arturo Perez-Alanis, P. K. Manoharan

TL;DR

This work addresses the limitation of purely radial current densities in ICME flux rope reconstructions by introducing a generalized elliptical-cylindrical description that allows a non-zero poloidal component. A two-step reconstruction approach decouples geometric configuration from magnetic-field fitting, using an analytical trajectory solution in internal coordinates and robust local optimization for the magnetic parameters. Applied to Parker Solar Probe data, the Radial–Poloidal model retains the global flux-rope geometry while delivering a substantially better fit to the internal magnetic field than the traditional Radial model, indicating a more physically realistic representation of ICME structures. The method promises stable, automated reconstructions suitable for large ICME datasets and improved space-weather forecasting capabilities, by enabling comprehensive exploration of flux rope geometries and internal fields with robust convergence properties.

Abstract

We present a generalized elliptical cylindrical flux rope model for interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) that allows for a non zero poloidal component in the internal magnetic field. We introduce a two step reconstruction algorithm that decouples the geometric configuration from the magnetic field fitting in order to improve numerical stability and physical consistency. Applied to Parker Solar Probe data, the new radial poloidal model preserves the global flux rope geometry while achieving a substantially better fit to the internal magnetic field than the traditional radial model, offering a more accurate and realistic description of ICME structures.

Generalization of Elliptical-Cylindrical Flux Rope Models for ICME Reconstruction

TL;DR

This work addresses the limitation of purely radial current densities in ICME flux rope reconstructions by introducing a generalized elliptical-cylindrical description that allows a non-zero poloidal component. A two-step reconstruction approach decouples geometric configuration from magnetic-field fitting, using an analytical trajectory solution in internal coordinates and robust local optimization for the magnetic parameters. Applied to Parker Solar Probe data, the Radial–Poloidal model retains the global flux-rope geometry while delivering a substantially better fit to the internal magnetic field than the traditional Radial model, indicating a more physically realistic representation of ICME structures. The method promises stable, automated reconstructions suitable for large ICME datasets and improved space-weather forecasting capabilities, by enabling comprehensive exploration of flux rope geometries and internal fields with robust convergence properties.

Abstract

We present a generalized elliptical cylindrical flux rope model for interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) that allows for a non zero poloidal component in the internal magnetic field. We introduce a two step reconstruction algorithm that decouples the geometric configuration from the magnetic field fitting in order to improve numerical stability and physical consistency. Applied to Parker Solar Probe data, the new radial poloidal model preserves the global flux rope geometry while achieving a substantially better fit to the internal magnetic field than the traditional radial model, offering a more accurate and realistic description of ICME structures.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 12 sections, 26 equations, 4 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Generalization of the Elliptical Cylindrical model
  3. Elliptical-Cylindrical Coordinate System
  4. Magnetic Field Requirements
  5. Current Density Derivation
  6. Current Density Requirements
  7. Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm
  8. Analytical Solution to the Trajectory for a Given Configuration
  9. Fitting of the Experimental Data
  10. Methodological Innovation Compared to Previous Approaches
  11. Application to In Situ data
  12. Conclusions

Figures (4)

  • Figure 3: (a) Local Approximation of a Flux Rope inside a CME. (b) Cross section parametrization.
  • Figure 4: Fit of the values in the local cylindrical coordinate system and their subsequent representation in the GSE system.
  • Figure 5: (a) EC geometry with radial model. (b) EC geometry with radial-poloidal model.
  • Figure 6: Comparison of the cross–sectional magnetic fields. Top panels correspond to the Radial model, whereas bottom panels show the Radial–Poloidal model.