Laboratory astrophysics as exemplified by the Riga dynamo experiment


Laboratory astrophysics as exemplified by the Riga dynamo experiment

Gailitis, A.; Lielausis, O.; Platacis, E.; Stefani, F.; Gerbeth, G.

It has been proposed to investigate the magnetorotational instability at a large scale liquid sodium facility. This sort of laboratory astrophysics is encouraged by the recent successful dynamo experiments. We report on our experiences with the Riga dynamo experiment where magnetic field self-excitation is achieved in a cylindrical vessel filled with approximately 2 cube meters of liquid sodium which can reach flow velocities up to 20 m/s. The main experimental results on the kinematic and the saturation regime are compared with numerical modelling. Some focus is also laid on the spectra of the magnetic field and the pressure.

  • Contribution to external collection
    MHD COUETTE FLOWS: Experiments and Models, AIP Conference Proceedings 733(2004), 35-44

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Publ.-Id: 6604