Dynamics of flare-driven chromospheric condensations

Abstract

A general model of chromospheric condensation dynamics is developed under the assumption of sudden impulsive-phase flare energy release. The basic equation of motion for the downward-moving condensation is derived from the momentum equation and from general features seen in numerical simulations. This equation is solved for a number of different cases. The 'lifetime' of condensation and the time for the velocity to drop to half its peak value are computed. The peak downflow speed is examined as a function of the flare energy flux, and comparisons are made between downflow speeds predicted by both thick-target 'explosive evaporation' and evaporation driven conductively.