Initial coupling of coronal and heliospheric numerical magnetohydrodynamic codes

Coupling of coronal and heliospheric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) codes represents an efficient modular approach to numerical simulations of physical phenomena occurring on different spatial and temporal scales. Using specialized models makes it possible to: (1) treat efficiently the very different physics relevant in coronal and interplanetary regimes; (2) deal with different time-step constraints for coronal and heliospheric simulations; and (3) optimize and update individual system components with the latest understanding. We present results on the coupling of coronal and heliospheric numerical MHD codes developed within the Center for Integrated Space weather Modeling. We discuss 2-D) parametric studies conducted to verify the computational coupling procedure and to assess the accuracy of merging physically and numerically different models. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.