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

C. Federrath*, G. Chabrier, J. Schober, R. Banerjee, R. S. Klessen, D. R.G. Schleicher

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

210 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114504
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume107
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Sept 2011
Externally publishedYes

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