Numerical models of hydromagnetic dynamos

Abstract

The magnetic induction equation is solved numerically in a sphere for a variety of prescribed fluid flows. The models considered are the so-called ‘αω dynamos’, in which both small-scale turbulence and large-scale shearing play a significant role. Solutions are obtained by marching the finite–difference equations forward in time from some initial field. For a critical value of the magnetic Reynolds numberR_msolutions which neither grow nor decay are found.Further calculations are performed with a ‘cut-off effect’ in which an attempt is made to simulate the effect of the Lorentz forces on the turbulence. For supercritical values of R, the magnetic field now stabilizes a t a finite value instead of increasing indefinitely. The form of the final field is compared with that produced at criticalR_min the absence of the cut-off effect.