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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Axel Brandenburg
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We study the changes in the dynamical behaviour of axisymmetric spherical mean-field dynamo models produced by changes in their geometry and topology, by considering a two parameter family of models, ranging from a full sphere to spherical shell, torus and disc-like configurations, within a unified framework. We find that the two parameter space of the family of models considered here separates into at least three different regions with distinct characteristics for the onset of dynamo action. In two of these regions, the most easily excited fields are oscillatory, in one case with dipolar symmetry, and in the other with quadrupolar, whereas in the third region the most easily excited field is steady and quadrupolar. In the nonlinear regime, we find that topological changes can alter significantly the dynamical behaviour, whilst modest changes in geometry can produce qualitative changes, particularly for thin disc-like configurations. This is of potential importance, since the exact shapes of astrophysical bodies, especially accretion discs and galaxies, are usually not precisely known.
Author(s): Covas E, Tavakol R, Tworkowski A, Brandenburg A, Brooke J, Moss D
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Year: 1999
Volume: 345
Issue: 2
Pages: 669-679
Print publication date: 01/01/1999
ISSN (print): 0004-6361
ISSN (electronic): 1432-0746
Publisher: EDP Sciences
