New scaling for the alpha effect in slowly rotating turbulence

A. Brandenburg, O. Gressel, P. J. Käpylä, N. Kleeorin, M. J. Mantere, I. Rogachevskii

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using simulations of slowly rotating stratified turbulence, we show that the α effect responsible for the generation of astrophysical magnetic fields is proportional to the logarithmic gradient of kinetic energy density rather than that of momentum, as was previously thought. This result is in agreement with a new analytic theory developed in this paper for large Reynolds numbers and slow rotation. Thus, the contribution of density stratification is less important than that of turbulent velocity. The α effect and other turbulent transport coefficients are determined by means of the test-field method. In addition to forced turbulence, we also investigate supernova-driven turbulence and stellar convection. In some cases (intermediate rotation rate for forced turbulence, convection with intermediate temperature stratification, and supernova-driven turbulence), we find that the contribution of density stratification might be even less important than suggested by the analytic theory.

Original languageAmerican English
Article number127
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume762
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 10 Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Sun: dynamo
  • magnetohydrodynamics (MHD)
  • turbulence

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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