Recent Progress in Understanding Solar Flare Magnetism using Data-Driven Simulations and Statistical Analysis of Vector Magnetic Fields

Continuous vector magnetic-field measurements by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) allowed us to run data-driven simulations of solar eruptions and perform statistical studies of magnetic-fields for many flares. In this talk I will review new aspects of flare magnetism discovered using SDO data, including progress in data-driven simulations and statistical studies of magnetic-reconnection fluxes, their rates and magnetic-field changes during flares. I will summarize how these results, along with statistical studies of eruptive and confined flares, have improved our understanding of flares and the flare/CME feedback relationship.