The inverse cascade in turbulent dynamos
Abstract
Description
The emergence of a large scale magnetic field from randomly forced isotropic strongly helical flows is discussed in terms of the inverse cascade of magnetic helicity and the alpha-effect. In simulations of such flows the maximum field strength exceeds the equipartition field strength for large scale separation. However, helicity conservation controls the speed at which this final state is reached. In the presence of open boundaries magnetic helicity fluxes out of the domain are possible. This reduces the timescales of the field growth, but it also tends to reduce the maximum attainable field strength.
8 pages, 4 figs, to be published in "Dynamo and dynamics, a mathematical challenge", Ed: P. Chossat, Nato ASI Series
8 pages, 4 figs, to be published in "Dynamo and dynamics, a mathematical challenge", Ed: P. Chossat, Nato ASI Series