The effect of magnetic field on mean flow generation by rotating two-dimensional convection
Currie, LK
Date: 11 November 2016
Journal
Astrophysical Journal
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Motivated by the significant interaction of convection, rotation, and magnetic field in many astrophysical objects,
we investigate the interplay between large-scale flows driven by rotating convection and an imposed magnetic
field. We utilize a simple model in two dimensions comprised of a plane layer that is rotating about an axis ...
Motivated by the significant interaction of convection, rotation, and magnetic field in many astrophysical objects,
we investigate the interplay between large-scale flows driven by rotating convection and an imposed magnetic
field. We utilize a simple model in two dimensions comprised of a plane layer that is rotating about an axis inclined
to gravity. It is known that this setup can result in strong mean flows; we numerically examine the effect of an
imposed horizontal magnetic field on such flows. We show that increasing the field strength in general suppresses
the time-dependent mean flows, but in some cases it organizes them, leading to stronger time-averaged flows.
Furthermore, we discuss the effect of the field on the correlations responsible for driving the flows and the
competition between Reynolds and Maxwell stresses. A change in behavior is observed when the (fluid and
magnetic) Prandtl numbers are decreased. In the smaller Prandtl number regime, it is shown that significant mean
flows can persist even when the quenching of the overall flow velocity by the field is relatively strong.
Physics and Astronomy
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0