A new semi-implicit method for MHD computations

Abstract An efficient semi-implicit method for the solution of the nonlinear, three-dimensional, resistive MHD equations is presented. The method is unconditionally stable with respect to the compressional fast magnetoacoustic and shear Alfven waves. The time step is limited instead by the nonlinear physical plasma phenomena. Furthermore, the method allows a high spatial resolution. Physically relevant test cases are presented and the feasibility of longtime simulations is discussed.