scholarly journals High-speed shear-driven dynamos. Part 1. Asymptotic analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 868 ◽  
pp. 176-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kengo Deguchi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Solar Phys ◽  
Wave Interaction ◽  
Resonant Absorption ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Transition To Turbulence ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Hydrodynamic Theory ◽  
Large Reynolds Number

Rational large Reynolds number matched asymptotic expansions of three-dimensional nonlinear magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) states are the concern of this contribution. The nonlinear MHD states, assumed to be predominantly driven by a unidirectional shear, can be sustained without any linear instability of the base flow and hence are responsible for subcritical transition to turbulence. Two classes of nonlinear MHD states are found. The first class of nonlinear states emerged out of a nice combination of the purely hydrodynamic vortex/wave interaction theory by Hall & Smith (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 227, 1991, pp. 641–666) and the resonant absorption theories on Alfvén waves, developed in the solar physics community (e.g. Sakurai et al. Solar Phys., vol. 133, 1991, pp. 227–245; Goossens et al. Solar Phys., vol. 157, 1995, pp. 75–102). Similar to the hydrodynamic theory, the mechanism of the MHD states can be explained by the successive interaction of the roll, streak and wave fields, which are now defined both for the hydrodynamic and magnetic fields. The derivation of this ‘vortex/Alfvén wave interaction’ state is rather straightforward as the scalings for both of the hydrodynamic and magnetic fields are identical. It turns out that the leading-order magnetic field of the asymptotic states appears only when a small external magnetic field is present. However, it does not mean that purely shear-driven dynamos are not possible. In fact, the second class of ‘self-sustained shear-driven dynamo theory’ shows a magnetic generation that is slightly smaller in size in the absence of any external field. Despite its small size, the magnetic field causes the novel feedback mechanism in the velocity field through resonant absorption, wherein the magnetic wave becomes more strongly amplified than the hydrodynamic counterpart.

Stability of the Base Flow to Axisymmetric and Plane-Polar Disturbances in an Electrically Driven Flow Between Infinitely-Long, Concentric Cylinders

2000 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-42
Author(s):  
J. Liu ◽  
G. Talmage ◽  
J. S. Walker
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electric Current ◽  
Axial Magnetic Field ◽  
Normal Modes ◽  
Azimuthal Velocity ◽  
Base Flow ◽  
Transition To Turbulence ◽  
Electrically Conducting ◽  
Concentric Cylinders ◽  
The Stability

The method of normal modes is used to examine the stability of an azimuthal base flow to both axisymmetric and plane-polar disturbances for an electrically conducting fluid confined between stationary, concentric, infinitely-long cylinders. An electric potential difference exists between the two cylinder walls and drives a radial electric current. Without a magnetic field, this flow remains stationary. However, if an axial magnetic field is applied, then the interaction between the radial electric current and the magnetic field gives rise to an azimuthal electromagnetic body force which drives an azimuthal velocity. Infinitesimal axisymmetric disturbances lead to an instability in the base flow. Infinitesimal plane-polar disturbances do not appear to destabilize the base flow until shear-flow transition to turbulence.

scholarly journals Alfvén wave interaction with inhomogeneous plasmas: acceleration and energy cascade towards small-scales

2004 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 2081-2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Génot ◽  
P. Louarn ◽  
F. Mottez
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electromagnetic Waves ◽  
Wave Interaction ◽  
Skin Depth ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Double Layers ◽  
Larmor Radius ◽  
Density Gradients ◽  
Particle In Cell ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Abstract. Investigating the process of electron acceleration in auroral regions, we present a study of the temporal evolution of the interaction of Alfvén waves (AW) with a plasma inhomogeneous in a direction transverse to the static magnetic field. This type of inhomogeneity is typical of the density cavities extended along the magnetic field in auroral acceleration regions. We use self-consistent Particle In Cell (PIC) simulations which are able to reproduce the full nonlinear evolution of the electromagnetic waves, as well as the trajectories of ions and electrons in phase space. Physical processes are studied down to the ion Larmor radius and electron skin depth scales. We show that the AW propagation on sharp density gradients leads to the formation of a significant parallel (to the magnetic field) electric field (E-field). It results from an electric charge separation generated on the density gradients by the polarization drift associated with the time varying AW E-field. Its amplitude may reach a few percents of the AW E-field. This parallel component accelerates electrons up to keV energies over a distance of a few hundred Debye lengths, and induces the formation of electron beams. These beams trigger electrostatic plasma instabilities which evolve toward the formation of nonlinear electrostatic structures (identified as electron holes and double layers). When the electrostatic turbulence is fully developed we show that it reduces the further wave/particle exchange. This sequence of mechanisms is analyzed with the program WHAMP, to identify the instabilities at work and wavelet analysis techniques are used to characterize the regime of energy conversions (from electromagnetic to electrostatic structures, from large to small length scales). This study elucidates a possible scenario to account for the particle acceleration and the wave dissipation in inhomogeneous plasmas. It would consist of successive phases of acceleration along the magnetic field, the development of an electrostatic turbulence, the thermalization and the heating of the plasma. Space plasma physics (charged particle motion and acceleration; numerical studies).

E-layer precession in a plasma

1971 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 413-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. L. Berk ◽  
R. N. Sudan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Rigid Body ◽  
Plasma Density ◽  
Uniform Magnetic Field ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Background Plasma ◽  
Low Density ◽  
High Background ◽  
Plasma Background

A weak E layer in a non-uniform magnetic field will tend to precess as a rigid body in response to the radial focusing of external magnetic fields and fields due to wall currents. We study the interaction of this precessional mode with a background plasma, and we explicitly include dissipation mechanisms in the plasma, walls and external resistors. When the plasma background is treated in the MHD approximation, we find that the mode changes character from a precessional mode at low density to a compressional Alfvén wave at high density. For a very weak E layer, instability is found, even without dissipation, when a sufficiently high background plasma density is present. However, for moderate E-layer strengths, the modes are found to be stable, even with dissipation.

scholarly journals High-speed shear-driven dynamos. Part 2. Numerical analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 876 ◽  
pp. 830-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kengo Deguchi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Reynolds Number ◽  
Couette Flow ◽  
Uniform Magnetic Field ◽  
Asymptotic Theory ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Mhd Equations ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Large Reynolds Number ◽  
Plane Couette Flow

This paper aims to numerically verify the large Reynolds number asymptotic theory of magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) flows proposed in the companion paper Deguchi (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 868, 2019, pp. 176–211). To avoid any complexity associated with the chaotic nature of turbulence and flow geometry, nonlinear steady solutions of the viscous resistive MHD equations in plane Couette flow have been utilised. Two classes of nonlinear MHD states, which convert kinematic energy to magnetic energy effectively, have been determined. The first class of nonlinear states can be obtained when a small spanwise uniform magnetic field is applied to the known hydrodynamic solution branch of plane Couette flow. The nonlinear states are characterised by the hydrodynamic/magnetic roll–streak and the resonant layer at which strong vorticity and current sheets are observed. These flow features, and the induced strong streamwise magnetic field, are fully consistent with the vortex/Alfvén wave interaction theory proposed in the companion paper. When the spanwise uniform magnetic field is switched off, the solutions become purely hydrodynamic. However, the second class of ‘self-sustained shear-driven dynamos’ at the zero external magnetic field limit can be found by homotopy via the forced states subject to a spanwise uniform current field. The discovery of the dynamo states has motivated the corresponding large Reynolds number matched asymptotic analysis in the companion paper. Here, the reduced equations derived by the asymptotic theory have been solved numerically. The asymptotic solution provides remarkably good predictions for the finite Reynolds number dynamo solutions.

scholarly journals Resonant absorption: Transformation of compressive motions into vortical motions

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. A106
Author(s):  
M. Goossens ◽  
I. Arregui ◽  
R. Soler ◽  
T. Van Doorsselaere
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Resonant Absorption ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Mhd Waves ◽  
Wave Variables ◽  
Striking Result ◽  
Spatial Properties ◽  
Vorticity Component ◽  
The Magnetic Field ◽  
Component Parallel

This paper investigates the changes in spatial properties when magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves undergo resonant damping in the Alfvén continuum. The analysis is carried out for a 1D cylindrical pressure-less plasma with a straight magnetic field. The effect of the damping on the spatial wave variables is determined by using complex frequencies that arise as a result of the resonant damping. Compression and vorticity are used to characterise the spatial evolution of the MHD wave. The most striking result is the huge spatial variation in the vorticity component parallel to the magnetic field. Parallel vorticity vanishes in the uniform part of the equilibrium. However, when the MHD wave moves into the non-uniform part, parallel vorticity explodes to values that are orders of magnitude higher than those attained by the transverse components in planes normal to the straight magnetic field. In the non-uniform part of the equilibrium plasma, the MHD wave is controlled by parallel vorticity and resembles an Alfvén wave, with the unfamiliar property that it has pressure variations even in the linear regime.

Role of magnetic field in star formation

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (A30) ◽  
pp. 139-139
Author(s):  
Gemechu Muleta Kumssa ◽  
Solomon Belay Tessema
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Star Formation ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Molecular Cloud ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Alfven Wave ◽  
Theoretical Formulation ◽  
Collapsing Cloud ◽  
Cloud Core

AbstractMagnetic fields are a key component in star formation theories. Nevertheless, their exact role in the formation of stars is still a matter of debate. The process of angular momentum transportation by the disturbance caused during magnetic field reconnection still needs theoretical formulation in terms of the collapsing cloud’s parameters. The purposes of this study are: to model the critical mass of a magnetized, gravitating and turbulent star forming molecular cloud (MC) and to formulate the momentum carried out by a magnetic field through magnetic field reconnection in terms of the MC’s parameters. By applying theoretical modeling, we show how angular momentum transported via an Alfvén wave can be described in terms of mass, radius and dispersion velocity of a collapsing cloud core and a model equation of the critical mass for a gravitating, turbulent, and magnetized molecular cloud core. The outflow of angular momentum by magnetic fields facilitates the inflow of mass. On the other side, magnetic pressure prevents collapse. Therefore, magnetic fields have a dual purpose in the process of star formation. This momentum outflow triggers the inflow of mass to conserve angular momentum. The results show that Alfvén waves are like a machine that extracts angular momentum from a magnetized collapsing cloud core. Thus the total angular momentum transported by magnetic field at a distance R from the core’s center depends on the size, mass and turbulent velocity dispersion of the collapsing cloud core.

Calculated Coronal Magnetic Fields and Their Comparison with the Coronal Structures as Observed during Five Solar Eclipses

1994 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 559-564
Author(s):  
P. Ambrož ◽  
J. Sýkora
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Cycle ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Solar Corona ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Fields ◽  
Solar Eclipses ◽  
Coronal Structures

AbstractWe were successful in observing the solar corona during five solar eclipses (1973-1991). For the eclipse days the coronal magnetic field was calculated by extrapolation from the photosphere. Comparison of the observed and calculated coronal structures is carried out and some peculiarities of this comparison, related to the different phases of the solar cycle, are presented.

Radio Measurements of Coronal Magnetic Fields

1994 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. B. Gelfreikh
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Solar Corona ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Transverse Magnetic ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Radio Waves ◽  
Solar Active Regions

AbstractA review of methods of measuring magnetic fields in the solar corona using spectral-polarization observations at microwaves with high spatial resolution is presented. The methods are based on the theory of thermal bremsstrahlung, thermal cyclotron emission, propagation of radio waves in quasi-transverse magnetic field and Faraday rotation of the plane of polarization. The most explicit program of measurements of magnetic fields in the atmosphere of solar active regions has been carried out using radio observations performed on the large reflector radio telescope of the Russian Academy of Sciences — RATAN-600. This proved possible due to good wavelength coverage, multichannel spectrographs observations and high sensitivity to polarization of the instrument. Besides direct measurements of the strength of the magnetic fields in some cases the peculiar parameters of radio sources, such as very steep spectra and high brightness temperatures provide some information on a very complicated local structure of the coronal magnetic field. Of special interest are the results found from combined RATAN-600 and large antennas of aperture synthesis (VLA and WSRT), the latter giving more detailed information on twodimensional structure of radio sources. The bulk of the data obtained allows us to investigate themagnetospheresof the solar active regions as the space in the solar corona where the structures and physical processes are controlled both by the photospheric/underphotospheric currents and surrounding “quiet” corona.

Emergence of Twisted Magnetic Flux Related Sigmoidal Brightening

2000 ◽  
Vol 179 ◽  
pp. 263-264
Author(s):  
K. Sundara Raman ◽  
K. B. Ramesh ◽  
R. Selvendran ◽  
P. S. M. Aleem ◽  
K. M. Hiremath
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Magnetic Flux ◽  
Ultra Violet ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Energy Storage And Conversion ◽  
The Sun ◽  
X Rays ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Extended AbstractWe have examined the morphological properties of a sigmoid associated with an SXR (soft X-ray) flare. The sigmoid is cospatial with the EUV (extreme ultra violet) images and in the optical part lies along an S-shaped Hαfilament. The photoheliogram shows flux emergence within an existingδtype sunspot which has caused the rotation of the umbrae giving rise to the sigmoidal brightening.It is now widely accepted that flares derive their energy from the magnetic fields of the active regions and coronal levels are considered to be the flare sites. But still a satisfactory understanding of the flare processes has not been achieved because of the difficulties encountered to predict and estimate the probability of flare eruptions. The convection flows and vortices below the photosphere transport and concentrate magnetic field, which subsequently appear as active regions in the photosphere (Rust & Kumar 1994 and the references therein). Successive emergence of magnetic flux, twist the field, creating flare productive magnetic shear and has been studied by many authors (Sundara Ramanet al.1998 and the references therein). Hence, it is considered that the flare is powered by the energy stored in the twisted magnetic flux tubes (Kurokawa 1996 and the references therein). Rust & Kumar (1996) named the S-shaped bright coronal loops that appear in soft X-rays as ‘Sigmoids’ and concluded that this S-shaped distortion is due to the twist developed in the magnetic field lines. These transient sigmoidal features tell a great deal about unstable coronal magnetic fields, as these regions are more likely to be eruptive (Canfieldet al.1999). As the magnetic fields of the active regions are deep rooted in the Sun, the twist developed in the subphotospheric flux tube penetrates the photosphere and extends in to the corona. Thus, it is essentially favourable for the subphotospheric twist to unwind the twist and transmit it through the photosphere to the corona. Therefore, it becomes essential to make complete observational descriptions of a flare from the magnetic field changes that are taking place in different atmospheric levels of the Sun, to pin down the energy storage and conversion process that trigger the flare phenomena.

Peculiarity Parameters

1976 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 233-254
Author(s):  
H. M. Maitzen
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Observational Evidence ◽  
Rotator Model ◽  
Peculiar Behaviour ◽  
Field Spectrum ◽  
Oblique Rotator ◽  
Ap Stars ◽  
The Way

Ap stars are peculiar in many aspects. During this century astronomers have been trying to collect data about these and have found a confusing variety of peculiar behaviour even from star to star that Struve stated in 1942 that at least we know that these phenomena are not supernatural. A real push to start deeper theoretical work on Ap stars was given by an additional observational evidence, namely the discovery of magnetic fields on these stars by Babcock (1947). This originated the concept that magnetic fields are the cause for spectroscopic and photometric peculiarities. Great leaps for the astronomical mankind were the Oblique Rotator model by Stibbs (1950) and Deutsch (1954), which by the way provided mathematical tools for the later handling pulsar geometries, anti the discovery of phase coincidence of the extrema of magnetic field, spectrum and photometric variations (e.g. Jarzebowski, 1960).

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