Modern research at the Riga dynamo facility
The origin and dynamics of the Earth's magnetic field is a key scientific problems and its basic studying mechanism relies on flow induced excitation of magnetic fields. In 1999 this mechanism was realised in experiments conducted at the Karlsruhe and Riga laboratory facilities. These experiments shed light on the under-laying coupled dynamics as scientists were able to measure the turbulent flow and magnetic fields. Since then, the dismantling of the Karlsruhe facility left the Riga dynamo as the only operating dynamo facility in the world. Aiming at the upgrading and exploitation of this facility the MAGDYN project designed a set of new experiments for sophisticated research studies of magnetic phenomena. These studies offered a better understanding of the magnetic fields of the Earth and other cosmic bodies, contributing to the advancement of geo-astrophysics. The experiments allowed the detailed study the flow induced magnetic field and the corresponding velocity field, covering both the mean fields as well as the fluctuating parts. Aided by numerical approaches, the interaction between magnetic and velocity fields was also explored, resulting in a deep understanding of the back-reaction mechanism. Furthermore, the studies resulted in an essential improvement of existing techniques and the development of novel ones. Upgrading of the facility included installation of an air cooling system and various magnetic field sensors, as well as an increase in the motor power that drives the propeller. The project significantly contributed in providing the Riga facility with a leading role in the studies of the fluid flow induced excitation of magnetic fields. Future perspectives involve the design of a next generation large-scale dynamo facility for the study of this mechanism in a configuration much closer to the realistic Earth situation.
