Abstract
A local potential approach to nonlinear dynamo models which allows the use of variational techniques to investigate the problem of stability is introduced. The method applies at least to quasi-kinematic dynamo models, i. e. to models which include the back-reaction of the magnetic field on the fluid motion in a simplified way. A special application leads to a previously investigated one-dimensional dynamo model which shows a coexistence of a periodic solution (limit cycle) with two stable steady solutions of opposite polarities. The inclusion of some small-amplitude noise leads to interesting transition phenomena which may be of relevance to explain the behaviour of astrophysical dynamos. A simple dynamical system with a two-dimensional phase-space is used for illustration.
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© 1991 Springer-Verlag
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Meinel, R. (1991). Stable and unstable solutions of the nonlinear dynamo problem. In: Tuominen, I., Moss, D., Rüdiger, G. (eds) The Sun and Cool Stars: activity, magnetism, dynamos. Lecture Notes in Physics, vol 380. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-53955-7_114
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-53955-7_114
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