Computer Science
Scientific paper
Aug 1975
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1975natur.256..634s&link_type=abstract
Nature, vol. 256, Aug. 21, 1975, p. 634. NASA-NSF-supported research.
Computer Science
5
Dynamo Theory, Mercury (Planet), Planetary Magnetic Fields, Convective Flow, Mariner Venus-Mercury 1973, Planetary Evolution, Planetary Rotation, Planetary Structure, Thermal Conductivity
Scientific paper
Models of the interior and thermal evolution of Mercury calculated by Siegfried and Solomon (1974) using Lewis' (1972) cosmochemical calculations to constrain the composition are tested for four necessary conditions for MHD dynamo generation. It is shown that dynamo generation requires at least a partially fluid interior, an energy source that drives a flow of core fluid relative to the rigidly rotating planet, a magnetic-field diffusion time in excess of the characteristic fluid-flow time scale, and a fluid flow of sufficient complexity to satisfy Cowling's (1934) theorem. It is concluded that a literal interpretation of Lewis' calculations implies that dynamo generation in Mercury is improbable. Generation would be possible only if the metallic core were contaminated with substantial amounts of radioactive material.
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