Modelling solar and stellar magnetoconvection
Abstract
Numerical experiments on three-dimensional convection in the presence of an externally imposed magnetic field reveal a range of behaviour that can be compared with that observed at the surface of the Sun (and therefore expected to be present in other similar stars). In a strongly stratified compressible layer small-scale convection gives way to a regime with flux separation as the field strength is reduced; with a weak mean field magnetic flux is concentrated into narrow lanes enclosing vigorously convecting plumes. Small-scale dynamos, generating disordered magnetic fields, have been found in Boussinesq calculations with very high magnetic Reynolds numbers; there is a gradual transition from dynamo action to magnetoconvection as the strength of the imposed field is increased.
- Publication:
-
Stellar Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics
- Pub Date:
- 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003safd.book..329W
- Keywords:
-
- Magnetoconvection Zone;
- Sun;
- Stars