A numerical model of the VKS experiment

作者:Gissinger C J P*
来源:EPL, 2009, 87(3): 39002.
DOI:10.1209/0295-5075/87/39002

摘要

We present numerical simulations of the magnetic field generated by the flow of liquid sodium driven by two counter-rotating impellers (VKS experiment). Using a kinematic code in cylindrical geometry, it is shown that different magnetic modes can be generated depending on the flow configuration. While the time-averaged axisymmetric mean flow generates an equatorial dipole, our simulations show that an axial field of either dipolar or quadrupolar symmetry can be generated by taking into account non-axisymmetric components of the flow. Moreover, we show that by breaking a symmetry of the flow, the magnetic field becomes oscillatory. This leads to reversals of the axial dipole polarity, involving a competition with the quadrupolar component.

  • 出版日期2009-8