Dynamo Action in a Quasi-Keplerian Taylor-Couette Flow

Abstract

We numerically compute the flow of an electrically conducting fluid in a Taylor-Couette geometry where the rotation rates of the inner and outer cylinders satisfy $\Omega_o/\Omega_i=(r_o/r_i)^{-3/2}$. In this quasi-Keplerian regime a non-magnetic system would be Rayleigh-stable for all Reynolds numbers $Re$, and the resulting purely azimuthal flow incapable of kinematic dynamo action for all magnetic Reynolds numbers $Rm$. For $Re=10^4$ and $Rm=10^5$ we demonstrate the existence of a finite-amplitude dynamo, whereby a suitable initial condition yields mutually sustaining turbulence and magnetic fields, even though neither could exist without the other. This dynamo solution results in significantly increased outward angular momentum transport, with the bulk of the transport being by Maxwell rather than Reynolds stresses.