Magnetic dynamo action in two-dimensional turbulent magneto-hydrodynamics

Abstract

Two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic turbulence is explored by means of numerical simulation. Previous analytical theory, based on non-dissipative constants of the motion in a truncated Fourier representation, is verified by following the evolution of highly non-equilibrium initial conditions numerically. Dynamo action (conversion of a significant fraction of turbulent kinetic energy into long-wavelength magnetic field energy) is observed. It is conjectured that in the presence of dissipation and external forcing; a dual cascade will be observed for zero-helicity situations. Energy will cascade to higher wavenumbers simultaneously with a cascade of mean square vector potential to lower wavenumbers, leading to an omni-directional magnetic energy spectrum which varies as k -⅓ at lower wavenumbers, simultaneously with a build-up of magnetic excitation at the lowest wavenumber of the system. Equipartition of kinetic and magnetic energies is expected at the highest wavenumbers in the system.