Daily variations of the geomagnetic field

The atmospheric dynamo theory of the daily magnetic variations (S) has received substantial support from recent observational and theoretical work. In particular, several features of the variations, such as their remarkable enhancement close to the dip equator and other effects indicating a strong control by the main geomagnetic field, are well explained by the dynamo theory. Also the detection of ionospheric currents by instrumental rockets has confirmed an essential part of the theory.Considerable impetus was given to their study by the acquirement of much new data on magnetic variations during the IGY-IQSY period. Additional observations in the Pacific area were obtained during the IQSY by the establishment of four island stations equipped with newly developed magnetometers. A major advance at other stations was the development of automatic standard observatories using nuclear magnetometers.Several methods for the world-wide analysis of the S-field have been developed. A possibility now being studied is the completely automatic evaluation and construction by computers of ionospheric current charts for any day and any epoch UT.Some theoretical and statistical papers are briefly reviewed. These include discussions of the day-to-day variability of S, seasonal changes of the S-field, the nature of the equatorial electrojet, the possibility of solar wind effects contributing to the daily variations, and the modification of the dynamo theory to take account of the possible flow of electric current from the ionosphere along magnetic lines of force in the magnetosphere.Finally, an attempt to extend the dynamo theory of S by treating the ionosphere as a three-dimensional medium, instead of regarding it as a thin shell, has revealed that, although the relations between the horizontal components of electric field and current density in the dynamo layer are given with reasonable accuracy by the well-known layer equations, the assumption, implicit in the thin shell treatment, that the horizontal currents are non-divergent is not in fact true. Hence a revision of some earlier theoretical work on S appears necessary.     

Theory and Modeling of Planetary Dynamos

Numerical dynamo models are increasingly successful in modeling many features of the geomagnetic field. Moreover, they have proven to be a useful tool for understanding how the observations connect to the dynamo mechanism. More recently, dynamo simulations have also ventured to explain the surprising diversity of planetary fields found in our solar system. Here, we describe the underlying model equations, concentrating on the Boussinesq approximations, briefly discuss the numerical methods, and give an overview of existing model variations. We explain how the solutions depend on the model parameters and introduce the primary dynamo regimes. Of particular interest is the dependence on the Ekman number which is many orders of magnitude too large in the models for numerical reasons. We show that a minor change in the solution seems to happen at $\mbox {E}=3\mbox {$\times 10^{-6}$}$ whose significance, however, needs to be explored in the future. We also review three topics that have been a focus of recent research: field reversal mechanisms, torsional oscillations, and the influence of Earth’s thermal mantle structure on the dynamo. Finally we discuss the possibility of tidally or precession driven planetary dynamos.     

Viscous-inviscid interactions in external aerodynamics

After a short introduction, Section 2 provides a physical background to the subject of viscous-inviscid interactions (VII). Section 3 covers the basic theoretical principles of interactive methods in two dimensions: generalisations of the concept of the displacement effect and the momentum integral equation; the effect of normal pressure gradients; matching conditions in the wake. The boundary conditions required for the equivalent inviscid flow (EIF) are then summarised, and the section concludes with a brief discussion of some relevant features of ‘integral’ and ‘differential’ methods for turbulent boundary layers.In Section 4 a similar, though necessarily incomplete, account is given of the corresponding treatment in three dimensions. Section 5 describes the principles of techniques for coupling the viscous and inviscid components of an interactive method; first in general principles and then in greater detail. In Section 6 a number of recent VII methods are reviewed and compared with experiment: first in two-dimensional incompressible flow (single and multiple aerofoils); then for aerofoils in transonic flow; an example of axisymmetric transonic flow; and finally methods for three-dimensional wings in transonic flow. The conclusions briefly summarise the current situation regarding the development of VII methods, and consider future possibilities in the subject.     

Numerical Modeling of the Ring Current and Plasmasphere

Over the last 25 years, considerable scientific effort has been expended in the development of quantitative models of the dynamics of Earth's inner magnetosphere, particularly on studies of the injection of the storm-time ring current and of dynamic variations in the shape and size of the plasmasphere. Nearly all modeling studies of ring-current injection agree that time-varying magnetospheric convection can produce approximately the ion fluxes that are observed in the storm-time ring current, but the truth of that assumption has never been demonstrated conclusively. It is not clear that the actual variations of convection electric fields are strong enough to explain the observed flux increases in ~100 keV ions at the peak of the storm-time ring current. Observational comparisons are generally far from tight, primarily due to the paucity of ring-current measurements and to basic limitations of single-point observations. Also, most of the theoretical models combine state-of-the-art treatment of some aspects of the problem with highly simplified treatment of other aspects. Even the most sophisticated treatments of the sub-problems include substantial uncertainties, including the following: (i) There is still considerable theoretical and observational uncertainty about the dynamics of the large-scale electric fields in the inner magnetosphere; (ii) No one has ever calculated a force-balanced, time-dependent magnetic-field model consistent with injection of the storm-time ring current; (iii) The most obvious check on the overall realism of a ring-current injection model would be to compare its predicted Dst index against observations; however, theoretical calculations of that index usually employ the Dessler-Parker-Sckopke relation, which was derived from the assumption of a dipole magnetic field and cannot be applied reliably to conditions where the plasma pressure significantly distorts the field; (iv) Although loss rates by charge exchange and Coulomb scattering can be calculated with reasonable accuracy, it remains unclear whether wave-induced ion precipitation plays an important role in the decay of the ring current. However, considerable progress could be made in the next few years. Spacecraft that can provide images of large regions of the inner magnetosphere should eliminate much of the present ambiguity associated with single-point measurements. On the theoretical side, it will soon be possible to construct models that, for the first time, will solve a complete set of large-scale equations for the entire inner magnetosphere. The biggest uncertainty in the calculation of the size and shape of the plasmasphere lies in the dynamics and structure of the electric field. It is still not clear how important a role interchange instability plays in determining the shape of the plasmapause or in creating density fine structure.     

Low Latitude Ionospheric Electrodynamics

The low latitude ionosphere is strongly affected by several highly variable electrodynamic processes. Over the last two decades ground-based and satellite measurements and global numerical models have been extensively used to study the longitude-dependent climatology of low latitude electric fields and currents. These electrodynamic processes and their ionospheric effects exhibit large ranges of temporal and spatial variations during both geomagnetic quiet and disturbed conditions. Numerous recent studies have investigated the short term response of equatorial electric fields and currents to lower atmospheric transport processes and solar wind-magnetosphere driving mechanisms. This includes the large electric field and current perturbations associated with arctic sudden stratospheric warming events during geomagnetic quiet times and highly variable storm time prompt penetration and ionospheric disturbance dynamo effects. In this review, we initially describe recent experimental and numerical modeling results of the global climatology and short term variability of quiet time low latitude electrodynamic plasma drifts. Then, we examine the present understanding of equatorial electric field and current perturbation fields during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity.     

Plasma-physical aspects of the solar cycle

Mass motions below the photosphere drive the solar cycle which is associated with variations in the magnetic field structure and accompanying phenomena. In addition to semi-empirical models, dynamo theories have been used to explain the solar cycle. The emergence of magnetic field generated by these mechanisms and its expansion into the corona involves many plasma physical processes. Magnetic buoyancy aids the expulsion of magnetic flux. The corona may respond dynamically or by continually adjusting to a quasi-static force-free or pressure-balanced equilibrium. The formation and disruption of current sheets is significant for the overall structure of the coronal magnetic field and the physics of quiescent prominences. The corona has a fine structure consisting of magnetic loops. The structure and stability of these are important as they are one of the underlying elements which make up the corona.     

The Solar Dynamo

Observations relevant to current models of the solar dynamo are presented, with emphasis on the history of solar magnetic activity and on the location and nature of the solar tachocline. The problems encountered when direct numerical simulation is used to analyse the solar cycle are discussed, and recent progress is reviewed. Mean field dynamo theory is still the basis of most theories of the solar dynamo, so a discussion of its fundamental principles and its underlying assumptions is given. The role of magnetic helicity is discussed. Some of the most popular models based on mean field theory are reviewed briefly. Dynamo models based on severe truncations of the full MHD equations are discussed.     

Simulation of three-dimensional solar wind disturbances and resulting geomagnetic storms

A kinematic method of representing the three-dimensional solar wind flow is devised by taking into account qualitatively the stream-stream interaction which leads to the formation of a shock pair. Solar wind particles move radially away from the Sun, satisfying the frozen-magnetic field condition. The uniqueness of the present approach is that one can incorporate both theoretical and observational results by adjusting the parameters involved and that a self-consistent data set can be simulated. One can then infer the three-dimensional structure of the solar wind which is vital in understanding the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere, and it is for this reason that the present kinematic method is devised. In the first part of this paper, the present kinematic method is described in detail by demonstrating that the following solar wind features can be simulated: (i) Variations of the solar wind quantities (such as the solar wind speed, the density and the IMF vector), associated with the solar rotation, at the Earth; (ii) the solar wind flow pattern in the meridian planes; (iii) the three-dimensional structure of the corotating interaction region (CIR); and (iv) the three-dimensional structure of the warped solar current sheet.In Section 2, the three-dimensional structure of solar wind disturbances are studied by introducing a flare-generated high speed stream into the two-stream model of the solar wind developed in Section 1. The treatment of the stream-stream interaction is generalized to deal with a flare-generated high speed stream, yielding a shock pair. The shock pair causes three-dimensional distortion of the solar current sheet as it propagates outward from the Sun. It is shown that a set of characteristic time variations of the solar wind speed, density, the interplanetary magnetic field magnitude B and angles (theta) and gf (phi) result at the time of the passage at the location of the Earth for a given set of flare conditions. These quantities allow us to compute the solar wind-magnetosphere energy coupling function . Time variations of the two geomagnetic indices AE and Dst are then estimated from . The simulated geomagnetic storms are compared with observed ones.In the third part, it is shown that recurrent geomagnetic storms can reasonably be reproduced, if fluctuating components of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) are superposed on the kinematic model of the solar wind developed in the first part. As an example, we simulate the fluctuating components by linearly polarized Alfvén waves and by random variations of the IMF angle (theta). Characteristics of the simulated and observed geomagnetic storms are discussed in terms of the simulated and observed AE and Dst indices. If the fluctuating components of the IMF can generally be identified as hydromagnetic waves, they may be an important cause for individual magnetospheric substorms, while the IMF magnitude B and the solar wind speed V modulate partially the intensity of magnetospheric substorms and storms.     

Recent Progress in Physics-Based Models of the Plasmasphere

We describe recent progress in physics-based models of the plasmasphere using the fluid and the kinetic approaches. Global modeling of the dynamics and influence of the plasmasphere is presented. Results from global plasmasphere simulations are used to understand and quantify (i) the electric potential pattern and evolution during geomagnetic storms, and (ii) the influence of the plasmasphere on the excitation of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves and precipitation of energetic ions in the inner magnetosphere. The interactions of the plasmasphere with the ionosphere and the other regions of the magnetosphere are pointed out. We show the results of simulations for the formation of the plasmapause and discuss the influence of plasmaspheric wind and of ultra low frequency (ULF) waves for transport of plasmaspheric material. Theoretical models used to describe the electric field and plasma distribution in the plasmasphere are presented. Model predictions are compared to recent Cluster and Image observations, but also to results of earlier models and satellite observations.     

Planetary Dynamos from a Solar Perspective

Direct numerical simulations of the geodynamo and other planetary dynamos have been successful in reproducing the observed magnetic fields. We first give an overview on the fundamental properties of planetary magnetism. We review the concepts and main results of planetary dynamo modeling, contrasting them with the solar dynamo. In planetary dynamos the density stratification plays no major role and the magnetic Reynolds number is low enough to allow a direct simulation of the magnetic induction process using microscopic values of the magnetic diffusivity. The small-scale turbulence of the flow cannot be resolved and is suppressed by assuming a viscosity far in excess of the microscopic value. Systematic parameter studies lead to scaling laws for the magnetic field strength or the flow velocity that are independent of viscosity, indicating that the models are in the same dynamical regime as the flow in planetary cores. Helical flow in convection columns that are aligned with the rotation axis play an important role for magnetic field generation and forms the basis for a macroscopic α-effect. Depending on the importance of inertial forces relative to rotational forces, either dynamos with a dominant axial dipole or with a small-scale multipolar magnetic field are found. Earth is predicted to lie close to the transition point between both classes, which may explain why the dipole undergoes reversals. Some models fit the properties of the geomagnetic field in terms of spatial power spectra, magnetic field morphology and details of the reversal behavior remarkably well. Magnetic field strength in the dipolar dynamo regime is controlled by the available power and found to be independent of rotation rate. Predictions for the dipole moment agree well with the observed field strength of Earth and Jupiter and moderately well for other planets. Dedicated dynamo models for Mercury, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, which assume stably stratified layers above or below the dynamo region, can explain some of the unusual field properties of these planets.     

恒热流斜板自然对流边界层的稳定性研究

对恒热流条件下的斜板自然对流边界层的稳定性进行了分析及数值模拟.研究发现在一定的倾角和Prandtl数范围内,三维波可存在两种不稳定模态,其临界频率分别接近于重力内波和二维T-S(Tol-mien-Schlichting)波的频率.更为特殊的是,在适当条件下该三维波模态可比二维T-S波更不稳定.这一看似违反Squire定理的结果是由于控制方程中的浮力项造成的.数值模拟初步验证了三维波的临界特性.由于稳定性总是同层流至湍流的转捩过程密切相关,计算结果可为高效换热翅片的设计提供理论依据.      

Solar Cycle Forecasting

Predicting the behavior of a solar cycle after it is well underway (2–3 years after minimum) can be done with a fair degree of skill using auto-regression and curve fitting techniques that don’t require any knowledge of the physics involved. Predicting the amplitude of a solar cycle near, or before, the time of solar cycle minimum can be done using precursors such as geomagnetic activity and polar fields that do have some connection to the physics but the connections are uncertain and the precursors provide less reliable forecasts. Predictions for the amplitude of cycle 24 using these precursor techniques give drastically different values. Recently, dynamo models have been used directly with assimilated data to predict the amplitude of sunspot cycle 24 but have also given significantly different predictions. While others have questioned both the predictability of the solar cycle and the ability of current dynamo models to provide predictions, it is clear that cycle 24 will help to discriminate between some opposing dynamo models.     

Recent Evidence for Convection in Sunspot Penumbrae

Whereas penumbral models during the last 15 years have been successful in explaining Evershed flows and magnetic field inclination variations in terms of flux tubes, the lack of contact between these models and a convective process needed to explain the penumbral radiative heat flux has been disturbing. We report on recent observational and theoretical evidence that challenge flux tube interpretations and conclude that the origin of penumbral filamentary structure is overturning convection.     

Dynamo Models for Planets Other Than Earth

Observations from planetary spacecraft missions have demonstrated a spectrum of dynamo behaviour in planets. From currently active dynamos, to remanent crustal fields from past dynamo action, to no observed magnetization, the planets and moons in our solar system offer magnetic clues to their interior structure and evolution. Here we review numerical dynamo simulations for planets other than Earth. For the terrestrial planets and satellites, we discuss specific magnetic field oddities that dynamo models attempt to explain. For the giant planets, we discuss both non-magnetic and magnetic convection models and their ability to reproduce observations of surface zonal flows and magnetic field morphology. Future improvements to numerical models and new missions to collect planetary magnetic data will continue to improve our understanding of the magnetic field generation process inside planets.     

Equivalent Electric Circuit Models of Coronal Magnetic Loops and Related Oscillatory Phenomena on the Sun

Coronal loops, which trace closed magnetic field lines, are the primary structural elements of the solar atmosphere. Complex dynamics of solar coronal magnetic loops, together with action of possible subphotospheric dynamo mechanisms, turn the majority of the coronal loops into current-carrying structures. In that connection none of the loops can be considered as isolated from the surroundings. The current-carrying loops moving relative to each other interact via the magnetic field and currents. One of the ways to take into account this interaction consists in application of the equivalent electric circuit models of coronal loops. According to these models, each loop is considered as an equivalent electric LCR-circuit with variable inductive coefficients L, capacitance C, and resistance R, which depend on shape, scale, position of the loop with respect to neighbouring loops, as well as on the plasma parameters in the magnetic tube. Such an approach enables to describe the process of electric current dynamics in the groups of coronal loops, as well as the related dynamical, energy release and radiation processes. In the present paper we describe the major principles of LCR-circuit models of coronal magnetic loops, and show their application for interpretation of the observed oscillatory phenomena in the loops and in the related radiation.     

Flux-Transport Solar Dynamos

Large-scale solar dynamo models were first built by Parker (1955). Over the past half a century these models have evolved significantly. We discuss here the development of a class of large-scale dynamo models which include, along with the α-effect and Ω-effect, an important third process, flux transport by meridional circulation. We present the properties of this ‘flux-transport’ dynamo, including the crucial role meridional circulation plays in giving this dynamo predictive power.     

The Pre-Main-Sequence Star RU Lupi: An Extreme T Tauri star

In this work I will try to give the most general complete view, comparatively with the conciseness, on RU Lupi, which is an Extreme Classical T Tauri star.T Tauri stars (TTSs) form a class of low luminosity stars which are going to the Main Sequence. They are young contracting objects that are in a particular Pre-Main-Sequence (PMS) evolutionary phase. The study of the Pre-Main-Sequence Stars (PMSSs) can provide crucial information on stellar evolution and formation of planetary systems, and therefore also indirect information on the processes occurred in the primeval solar system.For this reason, firstly I will briefly comment a sort of classification of stars in PMS phases (Section 2); then I will emphasize the main characteristics of TTSs and the current theories (Section 3). The up-to-date observational properties of RU Lupi (Section 4) and a discussion on their explanation within the framework of theories (Section 5) will allow me to draw the conclusions (Section 6) and to argue the most convenient line of investigation (Section 7) both experimental and theoretical for a better understanding of the underlying physics of these systems. Finally (Section 8), I will comment in general on the methodology of investigation of highly variable cosmic sources.An original result has been obtained in this work: the flare-like events (FLEs) of RU Lupi, occurring in all wavelength regions, are periodic with aP _FLE=27.686±0.002 days. This periodicity could be the rotational period of the star.     

多级轴流压气机的径向掺混

 随着压气机向着更高的级负荷和更低的展弦比方向发展,径向掺混问题在气动分析和气动设计中越来越重要,当前对决定径向掺混的主要因素众说不一。本文用严格的理论,得到了用统一形式表示含二次流和湍流在内的各个径向掺混因素的多级轴流压气机通流基本方程组,并讨论了二维通流流场湍流掺混与实际流场三维剪切结构的关系。基本方程组的数值结果与试验结果以及其它掺混理论结果比较表呀,该方程组能够满意地模拟多级轴流压气机中的径向掺混特性。     

Magnetic energy storage and conversion in the solar atmosphere

A review of the theoretical problems associated with preflare magnetic energy storage and conversion is presented. The review consists of three parts; preflare magnetic energy storage, magnetic energy conversion mechanisms, and preflare triggers. In Section 2, the relationship between magnetic energy storage and the electrodynamic coupling of the solar atmosphere is developed. By accounting for the electrodynamic coupling of the solar atmosphere, we are able to examine the fundamental problems associated with the concept of in situ versus remote magnetic-energy storage. Furthermore, this approach permits us to distinguish between the roles of local and global parameters in the storage process.Section 3 is focused on the conversion mechanisms that can explain, in principle, the rapid energy release of a flare. In addition, we discuss how electrodynamic coupling eventually dictates which mechanism(s) is responsible for releasing the stored magnetic energy, and how the global coupling dictates the final evolution of the relevant mechanism. Section 4 examines preflare triggers and Section 5, we examine the most promising directions for future research into the problem of magnetic-energy storage and conversion of the Sun.