I am primarily interested in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), specifically in the theoretical behaviour of MHD waves in inhomogeneous media, with application to the solar atmosphere, accretion disks
and laboratory plasmas. This involves solving 3D non-linear, coupled systems of PDEs under various physical assumptions, using both analytical and numerical methods (including the use of parallel computing).
Three of my current projects include:
- Behaviour of MHD waves in inhomogeneous media, specifically around magnetic null points. I use both numerical and analytical techniques in these investigations. Most of this work has been done in collaboration with Professor Alan Hood. I have recently been looking at nonlinear behaviour in the neighbourhood of an X-point, leading to the publication of McLaughlin, De Moortel, Hood & Brady (2009). This work brings together ideas from the theory of shock waves, magnetic topology and magnetic reconnection. The investigation builds on the linear model of McLaughlin & Hood (2004).
- Modelling of MHD wave activity in active regions. This research involves solving the 3D, time-dependent, nonlinear MHD equations using a solar MHD code. Individual loop density structure and gravitational effects are also considered. These simulations are then compared with satellite data, such as from TRACE. This work is being done with Dr David Pascoe and Dr Ineke De Moortel. This investigation builds upon McLaughlin & Ofman (2008), done in collaboration with Professor Leon Ofman at CUA/NASA GSFC.
- Investigating MHD mode coupling in systems in which the plasma beta varies. I am particularly interested in mode conversion near the beta=1 layer. This work builds upon the ideas in McLaughlin & Hood (2006b) and will extend the work of McDougall & Hood (2007) using 3D WKB (McLaughlin, Ferguson & Hood 2008).
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