Evolution of the magnetic field generated by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability
- Nordita, KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stockholm University, Roslagstullsbacken 23, SE-10691 Stockholm (Sweden)
- Department of Physics, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå (Sweden)
The Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in an ionized plasma is studied with a focus on the magnetic field generation via the Biermann battery (baroclinic) mechanism. The problem is solved by using direct numerical simulations of two counter-directed flows in 2D geometry. The simulations demonstrate the formation of eddies and their further interaction and merging resulting in a large single vortex. In contrast to general belief, it is found that the instability generated magnetic field may exhibit significantly different structures from the vorticity field, despite the mathematically identical equations controlling the magnetic field and vorticity evolution. At later stages of the nonlinear instability development, the magnetic field may keep growing even after the hydrodynamic vortex strength has reached its maximum and started decaying due to dissipation.
- OSTI ID:
- 22299813
- Journal Information:
- Physics of Plasmas, Journal Name: Physics of Plasmas Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 21; ISSN PHPAEN; ISSN 1070-664X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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