Vortices vs. magnetic fields: Competing orders in flux tubes

Abstract

Solar atmosphere hosts intricate interactions between vortex tubes and magnetic flux, which channel convective energy into the upper atmosphere and shape large-scale magnetic activity. To probe these dynamics in a controlled setting, we perform direct numerical simulations of antiparallel vortex tubes embedded with magnetic flux tubes, varying the interaction parameter $N_i$ that measures the Lorentz–inertial balance. High-resolution visualizations uncover distinct regimes of coupled evolution, including vortex-dominated reconnection, Lorentz-suppressed reconnection, instability-triggered cascades, and Lorentz-induced vortex disruption. The rendered structures highlight not only the physical transitions but also the striking morphologies, ranging from braided filaments to spiralized cores, that emerge as magnetic intensity strengthens. These findings show how Lorentz–inertial balance regulates reconnection, instability, and energy transfer in magnetohydrodynamic flows.