DISSIPATIVE MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC STATES WITH NONIDEAL BOUNDARY-CONDITIONS

A driven dissipative magnetohydrodynamic state is calculated that is consistent with a non-ideal boundary condition relevant to magnetically and mechanically active boundaries of laboratory or astrophysical plasmas. The solution is based on the results from previous analytical and computational investigations of electrically driven states, and is characterized by finite helical distortions and a small flow velocity. It is shown that such a configuration may persist even in the absence of previously assumed rigid perfectly conducting boundaries. It is proposed as a model for an astrophysical 'flux rope', and suggests an additional in situ diagnostic for such flux ropes.