scholarly journals Magnetic field amplification in accretion discs around the first stars: implications for the primordial IMF

2021 ◽  
Vol 503 (2) ◽  
pp. 2014-2032
Author(s):  
Piyush Sharda ◽  
Christoph Federrath ◽  
Mark R Krumholz ◽  
Dominik R G Schleicher
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Field Strength ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Accretion Discs ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Initial Field ◽  
First Stars

ABSTRACT Magnetic fields play an important role in the dynamics of present-day molecular clouds. Recent work has shown that magnetic fields are equally important for primordial clouds, which form the first stars in the Universe. While the primordial magnetic field strength on cosmic scales is largely unconstrained, theoretical models strongly suggest that a weak seed field existed in the early Universe. We study how the amplification of such a weak field can influence the evolution of accretion discs around first stars, and thus affect the primordial initial mass function (IMF). We perform a suite of 3D ideal magneto-hydrodynamic simulations with different initial field strengths and numerical resolutions. We find that, in simulations with sufficient spatial resolution to resolve the Jeans scale during the collapse, even initially weak magnetic fields grow exponentially to become dynamically important due to both the so-called small-scale turbulent dynamo and the large-scale mean-field dynamo. Capturing the small-scale dynamo action depends primarily on how well we resolve the Jeans length, while capturing the large-scale dynamo depends on the Jeans resolution as well as the maximum absolute resolution. Provided enough resolution, we find that fragmentation does not depend strongly on the initial field strength, because even weak fields grow to become strong. However, fragmentation in runs with magnetic fields differs significantly from those without magnetic fields. We conclude that the development of dynamically strong magnetic fields during the formation of the first stars is likely inevitable, and that these fields had a significant impact on the primordial IMF.

scholarly journals No-z Model for Magnetic Fields of Different Astrophysical Objects and Stability of the Solutions

Data ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Evgeny Mikhailov ◽  
Daniela Boneva ◽  
Maria Pashentseva
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Accretion Discs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Astrophysical Objects ◽  
Alpha Effect ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Magnetic Field

A wide range of astrophysical objects, such as the Sun, galaxies, stars, planets, accretion discs etc., have large-scale magnetic fields. Their generation is often based on the dynamo mechanism, which is connected with joint action of the alpha-effect and differential rotation. They compete with the turbulent diffusion. If the dynamo is intensive enough, the magnetic field grows, else it decays. The magnetic field evolution is described by Steenbeck—Krause—Raedler equations, which are quite difficult to be solved. So, for different objects, specific two-dimensional models are used. As for thin discs (this shape corresponds to galaxies and accretion discs), usually, no-z approximation is used. Some of the partial derivatives are changed by the algebraic expressions, and the solenoidality condition is taken into account as well. The field generation is restricted by the equipartition value and saturates if the field becomes comparable with it. From the point of view of mathematical physics, they can be characterized as stable points of the equations. The field can come to these values monotonously or have oscillations. It depends on the type of the stability of these points, whether it is a node or focus. Here, we study the stability of such points and give examples for astrophysical applications.

scholarly journals Characterising the surface magnetic fields of T Tauri stars with high-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy

2019 ◽  
Vol 630 ◽  
pp. A99 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lavail ◽  
O. Kochukhov ◽  
G. A. J. Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
T Tauri Stars ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Surface Magnetic Field ◽  
T Tauri

Aims. In this paper, we aim to characterise the surface magnetic fields of a sample of eight T Tauri stars from high-resolution near-infrared spectroscopy. Some stars in our sample are known to be magnetic from previous spectroscopic or spectropolarimetric studies. Our goals are firstly to apply Zeeman broadening modelling to T Tauri stars with high-resolution data, secondly to expand the sample of stars with measured surface magnetic field strengths, thirdly to investigate possible rotational or long-term magnetic variability by comparing spectral time series of given targets, and fourthly to compare the magnetic field modulus ⟨B⟩ tracing small-scale magnetic fields to those of large-scale magnetic fields derived by Stokes V Zeeman Doppler Imaging (ZDI) studies. Methods. We modelled the Zeeman broadening of magnetically sensitive spectral lines in the near-infrared K-band from high-resolution spectra by using magnetic spectrum synthesis based on realistic model atmospheres and by using different descriptions of the surface magnetic field. We developped a Bayesian framework that selects the complexity of the magnetic field prescription based on the information contained in the data. Results. We obtain individual magnetic field measurements for each star in our sample using four different models. We find that the Bayesian Model 4 performs best in the range of magnetic fields measured on the sample (from 1.5 kG to 4.4 kG). We do not detect a strong rotational variation of ⟨B⟩ with a mean peak-to-peak variation of 0.3 kG. Our confidence intervals are of the same order of magnitude, which suggests that the Zeeman broadening is produced by a small-scale magnetic field homogeneously distributed over stellar surfaces. A comparison of our results with mean large-scale magnetic field measurements from Stokes V ZDI show different fractions of mean field strength being recovered, from 25–42% for relatively simple poloidal axisymmetric field topologies to 2–11% for more complex fields.

The nonlinear properties of a large-scale dynamo driven by helical forcing

2002 ◽  
Vol 456 ◽  
pp. 219-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
FAUSTO CATTANEO ◽  
DAVID W. HUGHES ◽  
JEAN-CLAUDE THELEN
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Mean Field ◽  
Forced Flow ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Initial State ◽  
The Magnetic Field

By considering an idealized model of helically forced flow in an extended domain that allows scale separation, we have investigated the interaction between dynamo action on different spatial scales. The evolution of the magnetic field is studied numerically, from an initial state of weak magnetization, through the kinematic and into the dynamic regime. We show how the choice of initial conditions is a crucial factor in determining the structure of the magnetic field at subsequent times. For a simulation with initial conditions chosen to favour the growth of the small-scale field, the evolution of the large-scale magnetic field can be described in terms of the α-effect of mean field magnetohydrodynamics. We have investigated this feature further by a series of related numerical simulations in smaller domains. Of particular significance is that the results are consistent with the existence of a nonlinearly driven α-effect that becomes saturated at very small amplitudes of the mean magnetic field.

Solar Dynamo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Differential Rotation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Toroidal Field ◽  
Solar Dynamo ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Magnetic Field

The solar dynamo is the action of flows inside the Sun to maintain its magnetic field against Ohmic decay. On small scales the magnetic field is seen at the solar surface as a ubiquitous “salt-and-pepper” disorganized field that may be generated directly by the turbulent convection. On large scales, the magnetic field is remarkably organized, with an 11-year activity cycle. During each cycle the field emerging in each hemisphere has a specific East–West alignment (known as Hale’s law) that alternates from cycle to cycle, and a statistical tendency for a North-South alignment (Joy’s law). The polar fields reverse sign during the period of maximum activity of each cycle. The relevant flows for the large-scale dynamo are those of convection, the bulk rotation of the Sun, and motions driven by magnetic fields, as well as flows produced by the interaction of these. Particularly important are the Sun’s large-scale differential rotation (for example, the equator rotates faster than the poles), and small-scale helical motions resulting from the Coriolis force acting on convective motions or on the motions associated with buoyantly rising magnetic flux. These two types of motions result in a magnetic cycle. In one phase of the cycle, differential rotation winds up a poloidal magnetic field to produce a toroidal field. Subsequently, helical motions are thought to bend the toroidal field to create new poloidal magnetic flux that reverses and replaces the poloidal field that was present at the start of the cycle. It is now clear that both small- and large-scale dynamo action are in principle possible, and the challenge is to understand which combination of flows and driving mechanisms are responsible for the time-dependent magnetic fields seen on the Sun.

Methanol masers and magnetic field in IRAS18089-1732

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (S336) ◽  
pp. 285-286
Author(s):  
Daria Dall’Olio ◽  
W. H. T. Vlemmings ◽  
G. Surcis ◽  
H. Beuther ◽  
B. Lankhaar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Large Scale Field ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Theoretical Simulations ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractTheoretical simulations have shown that magnetic fields play an important role in massive star formation: they can suppress fragmentation in the star forming cloud, enhance accretion via disc and regulate outflows and jets. However, models require specific magnetic configurations and need more observational constraints to properly test the impact of magnetic fields. We investigate the magnetic field structure of the massive protostar IRAS18089-1732, analysing 6.7 GHz CH3OH maser MERLIN observations. IRAS18089-1732 is a well studied high mass protostar, showing a hot core chemistry, an accretion disc and a bipolar outflow. An ordered magnetic field oriented around its disc has been detected from previous observations of polarised dust. This gives us the chance to investigate how the magnetic field at the small scale probed by masers relates to the large scale field probed by the dust.

scholarly journals Interstellar and intergalactic dynamos

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S294) ◽  
pp. 225-236
Author(s):  
M. Hanasz ◽  
D. Woltanski ◽  
K. Kowalik
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Galactic Rotation ◽  
Galaxy Mergers ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractWe review recent developments of amplification models of galactic and intergalactic magnetic field. The most popular scenarios involve variety of physical mechanisms, including turbulence generation on a wide range of physical scales, effects of supernovae, buoyancy as well as the magnetorotational instability. Other models rely on galaxy interaction, which generate galactic and intergalactic magnetic fields during galaxy mergers. We present also global galactic-scale numerical models of the Cosmic Ray (CR) driven dynamo, which was originally proposed by Parker (1992). We conduct a series of direct CR+MHD numerical simulations of the dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM), composed of gas, magnetic fields and CR components. We take into account CRs accelerated in randomly distributed supernova (SN) remnants, and assume that SNe deposit small-scale, randomly oriented, dipolar magnetic fields into the ISM. The amplification timescale of the large-scale magnetic field resulting from the CR-driven dynamo is comparable to the galactic rotation period. The process efficiently converts small-scale magnetic fields of SN-remnants into galactic-scale magnetic fields. The resulting magnetic field structure resembles the X-shaped magnetic fields observed in edge-on galaxies.

scholarly journals Cosmic-ray driven dynamo in galactic disks

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S259) ◽  
pp. 479-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Hanasz ◽  
K. Otmianowska-Mazur ◽  
H. Lesch ◽  
G. Kowal ◽  
M. Soida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Turbulent Energy ◽  
Field Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Galactic Rotation ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Magnetic Field Energy

AbstractWe present new developments on the Cosmic–Ray driven, galactic dynamo, modeled by means of direct, resistive CR–MHD simulations, performed with ZEUS and PIERNIK codes. The dynamo action, leading to the amplification of large–scale galactic magnetic fields on galactic rotation timescales, appears as a result of galactic differential rotation, buoyancy of the cosmic ray component and resistive dissipation of small–scale turbulent magnetic fields. Our new results include demonstration of the global–galactic dynamo action driven by Cosmic Rays supplied in supernova remnants. An essential outcome of the new series of global galactic dynamo models is the equipartition of the gas turbulent energy with magnetic field energy and cosmic ray energy, in saturated states of the dynamo on large galactic scales.

scholarly journals Seed magnetic fields in turbulent small-scale dynamos

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (2) ◽  
pp. 2076-2086
Author(s):  
Amit Seta ◽  
Christoph Federrath
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Random Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Turbulent Medium ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Uniform Field ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Trace Back ◽  
Seed Field

ABSTRACT Magnetic fields in galaxies and galaxy clusters are amplified from a very weak seed value to the observed $\mu$G strengths by the turbulent dynamo. The seed magnetic field can be of primordial or astrophysical origin. The strength and structure of the seed field, on the galaxy or galaxy cluster scale, can be very different, depending on the seed-field generation mechanism. The seed field first encounters the small-scale dynamo, thus we investigate the effects of the strength and structure of the seed field on the small-scale dynamo action. Using numerical simulations of driven turbulence and considering three different seed-field configurations: (1) uniform field, (2) random field with a power-law spectrum, and (3) random field with a parabolic spectrum, we show that the strength and statistical properties of the dynamo-generated magnetic fields are independent of the details of the seed field. We demonstrate that, even when the small-scale dynamo is not active, small-scale magnetic fields can be generated and amplified linearly due to the tangling of the large-scale field. In the presence of the small-scale dynamo action, we find that any memory of the seed field for the non-linear small-scale dynamo generated magnetic fields is lost and thus, it is not possible to trace back seed-field information from the evolved magnetic fields in a turbulent medium.

scholarly journals Magnetic field amplification in turbulent astrophysical plasmas

2016 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Federrath
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Density Fluctuations ◽  
Accretion Discs ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Astrophysical Plasmas ◽  
Field Amplification ◽  
Prandtl Numbers

Magnetic fields play an important role in astrophysical accretion discs and in the interstellar and intergalactic medium. They drive jets, suppress fragmentation in star-forming clouds and can have a significant impact on the accretion rate of stars. However, the exact amplification mechanisms of cosmic magnetic fields remain relatively poorly understood. Here, I start by reviewing recent advances in the numerical and theoretical modelling of the turbulent dynamo, which may explain the origin of galactic and intergalactic magnetic fields. While dynamo action was previously investigated in great detail for incompressible plasmas, I here place particular emphasis on highly compressible astrophysical plasmas, which are characterised by strong density fluctuations and shocks, such as the interstellar medium. I find that dynamo action works not only in subsonic plasmas, but also in highly supersonic, compressible plasmas, as well as for low and high magnetic Prandtl numbers. I further present new numerical simulations from which I determine the growth of the turbulent (un-ordered) magnetic field component ($B_{turb}$) in the presence of weak and strong guide fields ($B_{0}$). I vary $B_{0}$ over five orders of magnitude and find that the dependence of $B_{turb}$ on $B_{0}$ is relatively weak, and can be explained with a simple theoretical model in which the turbulence provides the energy to amplify $B_{turb}$. Finally, I discuss some important implications of magnetic fields for the structure of accretion discs, the launching of jets and the star-formation rate of interstellar clouds.

scholarly journals Biermann battery as a source of astrophysical magnetic fields

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Evgeny A. Mikhailov ◽  
Ruben R. Andreasyan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Radio Waves ◽  
Dynamo Mechanism ◽  
Alpha Effect ◽  
Biermann Battery ◽  
Annealing Method ◽  
Initial Magnetic Field

Abstract A large number of galaxies have large-scale magnetic fields which are usually measured by the Faraday rotation of radio waves. Their origin is usually connected with the dynamo mechanism which is based on differential rotation of the interstellar medium and alpha-effect characterizing the helicity of the small-scale motions. However, it is necessary to have initial magnetic field which cannot be generated by the dynamo. One of the possible mechanisms is connected with the Biermann battery which acts because of different masses of protons and electrons passing from the central object. They produce circular currents which induce the vertical magnetic field. As for this field we can obtain the integral equation which can be solved by simulated annealing method which is widely used in different branches of mathematics

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document