scholarly journals Dynamo action in the presence of an imposed magnetic field

2009 ◽  
Vol 465 (2105) ◽  
pp. 1599-1616 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.W. Hughes ◽  
M.R.E. Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Linear Stability ◽  
Uniform Magnetic Field ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Background Field ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Circularly Polarized ◽  
Forcing Function ◽  
Basic States

We consider the linear stability to three-dimensional perturbations of two-dimensional nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic basic states obtained from a specified forcing function in the presence of an imposed initially uniform magnetic field of strength B 0 . The forcing is chosen such that it drives the ‘circularly polarized’ (CP) flow of Galloway & Proctor ( Galloway & Proctor 1992 Nature 356 , 691–693) when B 0 =0. We first examine the properties of these basic states and their dependence on B 0 and the magnetic Reynolds number Rm . The linear stability of these states is then investigated. It is found that, at a given Rm , the presence of a background field is stabilizing. The results also allow us to speculate that, at a fixed value of B 0 , the growth of the unstable perturbations is ‘fast’, in the sense that the growth rate becomes independent of Rm as Rm →∞.

Turbulent dynamo action at low magnetic Reynolds number

1970 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. K. Moffatt
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Isotropic Turbulence ◽  
Magnetic Energy ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Ohmic Dissipation ◽  
Magnetic Energy Density ◽  
Magnetic Diffusivity

The effect of turbulence on a magnetic field whose length-scale L is initially large compared with the scale l of the turbulence is considered. There are no external sources for the field, and in the absence of turbulence it decays by ohmic dissipation. It is assumed that the magnetic Reynolds number Rm = u0l/λ (where u0 is the root-mean-square velocity and λ the magnetic diffusivity) is small. It is shown that to lowest order in the small quantities l/L and Rm, isotropic turbulence has no effect on the large-scale field; but that turbulence that lacks reflexional symmetry is capable of amplifying Fourier components of the field on length scales of order Rm−2l and greater. In the case of turbulence whose statistical properties are invariant under rotation of the axes of reference, but not under reflexions in a point, it is shown that the magnetic energy density of a magnetic field which is initially a homogeneous random function of position with a particularly simple spectrum ultimately increases as t−½exp (α2t/2λ3) where α(= O(u02l)) is a certain linear functional of the spectrum tensor of the turbulence. An analogous result is obtained for an initially localized field.

Planar velocity dynamos in a sphere

2006 ◽  
Vol 462 (2072) ◽  
pp. 2439-2456 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.A Bachtiar ◽  
D.J Ivers ◽  
R.W James
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Outer Core ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Main Magnetic Field ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Field Growth ◽  
Planar Velocity ◽  
Induction Equation ◽  
Planar Flows ◽  
Magnetic Induction Equation

The Earth's main magnetic field is generally believed to be due to a self-exciting dynamo process in the Earth's fluid outer core. A variety of antidynamo theorems exist that set conditions under which a magnetic field cannot be indefinitely maintained by dynamo action against ohmic decay. One such theorem, the Planar Velocity Antidynamo Theorem , precludes field maintenance when the flow is everywhere parallel to some plane, e.g. the equatorial plane. This paper shows that the proof of the Planar Velocity Theorem fails when the flow is confined to a sphere, due to diffusive coupling at the boundary. Then, the theorem reverts to a conjecture. There is a need to either prove the conjecture, or find a functioning planar velocity dynamo. To the latter end, this paper formulates the toroidal–poloidal spectral form of the magnetic induction equation for planar flows, as a basis for a numerical investigation. We have thereby determined magnetic field growth rates associated with various planar flows in spheres. For most flows, the induced magnetic field decays with time, supporting a planar velocity antidynamo conjecture for a spherical conducting fluid. However, one flow is exceptional, indicating that magnetic field growth can occur. We also re-examine some classical kinematic dynamo models, converting the flows where possible to planar flows. For the flow of Pekeris et al . (Pekeris, C. L., Accad, Y. & Shkoller, B. 1973 Kinematic dynamos and the Earth's magnetic field. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 275 , 425–461), this conversion dramatically reduces the critical magnetic Reynolds number.

scholarly journals Large-scale dynamo action of magnetized Taylor–Couette flows

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (1) ◽  
pp. 1249-1260
Author(s):  
G Rüdiger ◽  
M Schultz
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Mean Field ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Eddy Diffusivity ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Dynamo Model ◽  
Turbulence Energy ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Taylor Couette

ABSTRACT A conducting Taylor–Couette flow with quasi-Keplerian rotation law containing a toroidal magnetic field serves as a mean-field dynamo model of the Tayler–Spruit type. The flows are unstable against non-axisymmetric perturbations which form electromotive forces defining α effect and eddy diffusivity. If both degenerated modes with m = ±1 are excited with the same power then the global α effect vanishes and a dynamo cannot work. It is shown, however, that the Tayler instability produces finite α effects if only an isolated mode is considered but this intrinsic helicity of the single-mode is too low for an α2 dynamo. Moreover, an αΩ dynamo model with quasi-Keplerian rotation requires a minimum magnetic Reynolds number of rotation of Rm ≃ 2000 to work. Whether it really works depends on assumptions about the turbulence energy. For a steeper-than-quadratic dependence of the turbulence intensity on the magnetic field, however, dynamos are only excited if the resulting magnetic eddy diffusivity approximates its microscopic value, ηT ≃ η. By basically lower or larger eddy diffusivities the dynamo instability is suppressed.

scholarly journals Simulations of Core Convection Dynamos in Rotating A-type Stars

2004 ◽  
Vol 215 ◽  
pp. 376-377
Author(s):  
Matthew Browning ◽  
Allan Sacha Brun ◽  
Juri Toomre
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Numerical Simulations ◽  
Differential Rotation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
The Core ◽  
Core Convection ◽  
Seed Field ◽  
Initial Seed ◽  
Three Dimensional Simulations

We have conducted preliminary numerical simulations of a core convection dynamo operating within an A-type star of two solar masses. Convection within the core clearly can admit magnetic dynamo action. Magnetic field strengths in our three-dimensional simulations grow by many orders of magnitude, from an initial seed field to kilo-Gauss levels. We discuss the differential rotation and magnetic field sustained in our simulations.

Experimental investigation of dynamo effect in the secondary pumps of the fast breeder reactor Superphenix

2000 ◽  
Vol 403 ◽  
pp. 263-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. ALEMANY ◽  
Ph. MARTY ◽  
F. PLUNIAN ◽  
J. SOTO
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Magnetic Energy ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Dynamo Effect

The fast breeder reactors (FBR) BN600 (Russia) and Phenix (France) have been the subject of several experimental studies aimed at the observation of dynamo action. Though no dynamo effect has been identified, the possibility was raised for the FBR Superphenix (France) which has an electric power twice that of BN600 and five times larger than Phenix. We present the results of a series of experimental investigations on the secondary pumps of Superphenix. The helical sodium flow inside one pump corresponds to a maximum magnetic Reynolds number (Rm) of 25 in the experimental conditions (low temperature). The magnetic field was recorded in the vicinity of the pumps and no dynamo action has been identified. An estimate of the critical flow rate necessary to reach dynamo action has been found, showing that the pumps are far from producing dynamo action. The magnetic energy spectrum was also recorded and analysed. It is of the form k−11/3, suggesting the existence of a large-scale magnetic field. Following Moffatt (1978), this spectrum slope is also justified by a phenomenological approach.

Kinematic dynamo action in a network of screw motions; application to the core of a fast breeder reactor

1999 ◽  
Vol 382 ◽  
pp. 137-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. PLUNIAN ◽  
P. MARTY ◽  
A. ALEMANY
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Magnetic Reynolds Number ◽  
Liquid Sodium ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Periodic Cell ◽  
The Core ◽  
Induction Equation ◽  
Breeder Reactors ◽  
Dynamo Effect

Most of the studies concerning the dynamo effect are motivated by astrophysical and geophysical applications. The dynamo effect is also the subject of some experimental studies in fast breeder reactors (FBR) for they contain liquid sodium in motion with magnetic Reynolds numbers larger than unity. In this paper, we are concerned with the flow of sodium inside the core of an FBR, characterized by a strong helicity. The sodium in the core flows through a network of vertical cylinders. In each cylinder assembly, the flow can be approximated by a smooth upwards helical motion with no-slip conditions at the boundary. As the core contains a large number of assemblies, the global flow is considered to be two-dimensionally periodic. We investigate the self-excitation of a two-dimensionally periodic magnetic field using an instability analysis of the induction equation which leads to an eigenvalue problem. Advantage is taken of the flow symmetries to reduce the size of the problem. The growth rate of the magnetic field is found as a function of the flow pitch, the magnetic Reynolds number (Rm) and the vertical magnetic wavenumber (k). An α-effect is shown to operate for moderate values of Rm, supporting a mean magnetic field. The large-Rm limit is investigated numerically. It is found that α=O(Rm−2/3), which can be explained through appropriate dynamo mechanisms. Either a smooth Ponomarenko or a Roberts type of dynamo is operating in each periodic cell, depending on k. The standard power regime of an industrial FPBR is found to be subcritical.

scholarly journals Global bifurcations to subcritical magnetorotational dynamo action in Keplerian shear flow

2013 ◽  
Vol 731 ◽  
pp. 1-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Riols ◽  
F. Rincon ◽  
C. Cossu ◽  
G. Lesur ◽  
P.-Y. Longaretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Shear Flow ◽  
Shear Flows ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Transition To Turbulence ◽  
Global Bifurcations ◽  
Magnetic Field Generation ◽  
Dynamo Action ◽  
Systems Research ◽  
Hydrodynamic Shear

AbstractMagnetorotational dynamo action in Keplerian shear flow is a three-dimensional nonlinear magnetohydrodynamic process, the study of which is relevant to the understanding of accretion processes and magnetic field generation in astrophysics. Transition to this form of dynamo action is subcritical and shares many characteristics with transition to turbulence in non-rotating hydrodynamic shear flows. This suggests that these different fluid systems become active through similar generic bifurcation mechanisms, which in both cases have eluded detailed understanding so far. In this paper, we build on recent work on the two problems to investigate numerically the bifurcation mechanisms at work in the incompressible Keplerian magnetorotational dynamo problem in the shearing box framework. Using numerical techniques imported from dynamical systems research, we show that the onset of chaotic dynamo action at magnetic Prandtl numbers larger than unity is primarily associated with global homoclinic and heteroclinic bifurcations of nonlinear magnetorotational dynamo cycles born out of saddle-node bifurcations. These global bifurcations are found to be supplemented by local bifurcations of cycles marking the beginning of period-doubling cascades. The results suggest that nonlinear magnetorotational dynamo cycles provide the pathway to injection of both kinetic and magnetic energy for the problem of transition to turbulence and dynamo action in incompressible magnetohydrodynamic Keplerian shear flow in the absence of an externally imposed magnetic field. Studying the nonlinear physics and bifurcations of these cycles in different regimes and configurations may subsequently help to understand better the physical conditions of excitation of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence and instability-driven dynamos in a variety of astrophysical systems and laboratory experiments. The detailed characterization of global bifurcations provided for this three-dimensional subcritical fluid dynamics problem may also prove useful for the problem of transition to turbulence in hydrodynamic shear flows.

On gyroresonance

1968 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Laird
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Charged Particle ◽  
Pitch Angle ◽  
Uniform Magnetic Field ◽  
Equations Of Motion ◽  
Circularly Polarized ◽  
Simple Picture

The motion of a charged particle in the field of a plane circularly polarized wave propagating along a uniform magnetic field B0 is investigated. For the wave magnetic field small compared with B0, the equations of motion simplify to those of the pendulum, and a simple picture of what happens for particles near gyro- resonance results. Expressions are found for the amplitude and period of the pitch angle oscillations. Departures from uniformity and possible applications to the magnetosphere are briefly discussed.

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