A new interpretation of the alpha effect

In a magnetized plasma the alpha effect represents a turbulently generated emf directed along the mean magnetic field. This emf is central to the understanding of turbulent generation of large‐scale magnetic fields. The alpha effect is reevaluated in terms of ensemble‐averaged properties of the magn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Physics of fluids (1958) 1983-09, Vol.26 (9), p.2558-2560
Main Author: Keinigs, R. K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Exact sciences and technology
Physics
Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges
Physics of plasmas and electric discharges
Plasma dynamics and flow
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Summary:In a magnetized plasma the alpha effect represents a turbulently generated emf directed along the mean magnetic field. This emf is central to the understanding of turbulent generation of large‐scale magnetic fields. The alpha effect is reevaluated in terms of ensemble‐averaged properties of the magnetic fluctuation spectrum. The results indicate that it is current helicity as opposed to kinetic helicity that is required to produce an alpha effect.
ISSN:0031-9171
2163-4998
DOI:10.1063/1.864446