Universality of the Small-Scale Dynamo Mechanism

Physics – Plasma Physics

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Scientific paper

We quantify possible differences between turbulent dynamo action in the Sun and the dynamo action studied in idealized simulation. For this purpose we compare Fourier-space shell-to-shell energy transfer rates of three incrementally more complex dynamo simulations: an incompressible, periodic simulation driven by random flow, a simulation of Boussinesq convection, and a simulation of fully compressible convection that includes physics relevant to the near-surface layers of the Sun. For each of the simulations studied, we find that energy is transferred from the turbulent flow to the magnetic field from length-scales in the inertial range of the energy spectrum. The addition of physical effects relevant to the solar near-surface layers, including stratification, compressibility, partial ionization, and radiative energy transport, does not appear to affect the nature of the dynamo mechanism. The role of inertial-range shear stresses in magnetic field amplification is independent from outer-scale circumstances, including forcing and stratification. Although shell-to-shell energy transfer functions have similar properties in each simulation studied, the saturated states of these simulations are not universal; the flow at the driving scales is a significant source of energy for the magnetic field. The mechanism of energy-transfer in kinematic small-scale dynamo simulations exhibits universal properties.
This work has been supported by the Max-Planck Society in the framework of the Interinstitutional Research Initiative Turbulent transport and ion heating, reconnection and electron acceleration in solar and fusion plasmas of the MPI for Solar System Research, Katlenburg-Lindau, and the Institute for Plasma Physics, Garching (project MIF-IF-A-AERO8047).

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