Simulation on collision of magnetic flux tubes in the quiet solar photosphere

We investigate the collision of two parallel flux tubes for both cases of partial and complete magnetic reconnection. We find that when one flux tube with weak current and small radius collides with the other flux tube with strong current and large radius, the weak current flux tube splits into two small flux tubes through magnetic reconnection. We also find that when two magnetic flux tubes with weak current collide, there occurs strong fast magnetosonic wave emission, resulting in shock formation. While when two strong current loops collide, there is no strong wave emission. Secondary we investigate the collision of two non-collinear flux tubes with X-type configuration, taking into account of the effect of density inhomogeneity along the flux tubes due to the gravity. We find the strong upward plasma flows along the flux tubes and also shock wave emission from the X-type collision region. Finally we discuss the application of these simulation results to coronal heating.