Geometry-induced self-excited dynamo in a regular tetrahedron

Abstract

We present a rotation-free magnetohydrodynamic dynamo driven by laminar thermal convection in a regular tetrahedral cavity. The tetrahedral boundaries organize the convective flow into a robust pattern of helical convection cells without global rotation or turbulence. Direct numerical simulations demonstrate exponential amplification of a weak seed magnetic field followed by nonlinear saturation. In the reference calculation, the saturated magnetic energy exceeds the kinetic energy. The velocity field develops $D_4$ dihedral symmetry, while the self-generated magnetic field exhibits a corresponding signed $D_4$ symmetry, including antisymmetry under $\pi$ rotations about the two horizontal axes. Analysis of the velocity and magnetic-field structures reveals a closed induction cycle sustained by geometry-induced helical convection. This system provides a conceptually simple setting for isolating and understanding the fundamental physical processes underlying magnetohydrodynamic dynamo action.

8 pages, 5 figures