Development of a magnetohydrodynamic simulation code satisfying the solenoidal magnetic field condition Original Research Article

We have developed a new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation code that automatically satisfies the solenoidal magnetic field (B) property image. We use the vector potential (A) instead of the magnetic field itself in the magnetohydrodynamic equation. To solve the advection term, we adopt a Rational-CIP algorithm in the simulation code. The non-advection terms are solved by the 4th order Runge–Kutta method for time and 4th order central difference for space in a regular grid system. Code assessments are carried out to evaluate the properties of the developed code. A remarkable feature of the new code is the description of Alfven wave propagation with less numerical dispersion. After the code assessments, we apply the code to a global simulation of the planet Mercuryʹs magnetosphere. Fundamental structures of the magnetosphere are successfully reproduced.