Modelling the Torus Unstable Eruption of AR 12473 with Time-dependent Data-driven Simulations

Abstract:

This study is centred around modelling the flux rope that erupted on 28 December, 2015 from AR 12473. We generate maps of the photospheric electric field by inverting HMI vector magnetogram observations. These are used to drive our fully time-dependent data-driven magnetofrictional model. The simulation produces a clear flux rope that goes on to eject through the upper boundary of the domain. By performing additional simulations in which the photospheric driving is stopped at different times, we identify the time that the flux rope becomes unstable. This behaviour coincides with the flux rope reaching a region of sufficiently rapid decay of the overlying magnetic field. We thus conclude that the flux rope erupts due to the torus instability. This work highlights the potential of direct data-driven simulations to model the formation and destabilisation of coronal structures.