Convective Babcock-Leighton Dynamo Models

Abstract

We present the first global, three-dimensional simulations of solar/stellar convection that take into account the influence of magnetic flux emergence by means of the Babcock-Leighton (BL) mechanism. We have shown that the inclusion of a BL poloidal source term in a convection simulation can promote cyclic activity in an otherwise steady dynamo. Some cycle properties are reminiscent of solar observations, such as the equatorward propagation of toroidal flux near the base of the convection zone. However, the cycle period in this young sun (rotating three times faster than the solar rate) is very short ($\sim$ 6 months) and it is unclear whether much longer cycles may be achieved within this modeling framework, given the high efficiency of field generation and transport by the convection. Even so, the incorporation of mean-field parameterizations in 3D convection simulations to account for elusive processes such as flux emergence may well prove useful in the future modeling of solar and stellar activity cycles.

5 pages, 4 figures, submitted to the Astrophysical Journal Letters

References in corpus (5)

• Persistent Magnetic Wreaths in a Rapidly Rotating Sun
• Magnetic Cycles in a Convective Dynamo Simulation of a Young Solar-type Star
• Flux-transport dynamos with Lorentz force feedback on differential rotation and meridional flow: Saturation mechanism and torsional oscillations
• Turbulent magnetic pumping in a Babcock-Leighton solar dynamo model
• Buoyant Magnetic Loops in a Global Dynamo Simulation of a Young Sun

Cited by in corpus (7)

• Grand Minima and Equatorward Propagation in a Cycling Stellar Convective Dynamo
• Buoyant Magnetic Loops Generated by Global Convective Dynamo Action
• The Solar-Stellar Connection
• Origin and evolution of magnetic fields in PMS stars : influence of rotation and structural changes
• Concept of the Solar Ring Mission: Overview
• Generating buoyant magnetic flux ropes in solar-like convective dynamos
• Helicity transport from solar convection zone to interplanetary space