Mean Field Dynamo Saturation: Toward Understanding Conflicting Results

Abstract

Mean field dynamos may explain the origin of large scale magnetic fields of galaxies, but controversy arises over the extent of dynamo quenching by the growing field. Here we explain how apparently conflicting results may be mutually consistent, by showing the role of magnetic helicity conservation and boundary terms usually neglected. We estimate the associated magnetic energy flowing out of the Galaxy but emphasize that the mechanism of field escape needs to be addressed.