Mach number dependence of turbulent magnetic field amplification: solenoidal versus compressive flows

We study the growth rate and saturation level of the turbulent dynamo in magnetohydrodynamical simulations of turbulence, driven with solenoidal (divergence-free) or compressive (curl-free) forcing. For models with Mach numbers ranging from 0.02 to 20, we find significantly different magnetic field...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2011-09, Vol.107 (11), p.114504-114504, Article 114504
Main Authors: Federrath, C, Chabrier, G, Schober, J, Banerjee, R, Klessen, R S, Schleicher, D R G
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We study the growth rate and saturation level of the turbulent dynamo in magnetohydrodynamical simulations of turbulence, driven with solenoidal (divergence-free) or compressive (curl-free) forcing. For models with Mach numbers ranging from 0.02 to 20, we find significantly different magnetic field geometries, amplification rates, and saturation levels, decreasing strongly at the transition from subsonic to supersonic flows, due to the development of shocks. Both extreme types of turbulent forcing drive the dynamo, but solenoidal forcing is more efficient, because it produces more vorticity.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.114504