Magnetic field dynamos-laboratory studies based on the riga dynamo facility

Objective

At the Riga dynamo facility, magnetic field self-excitation in an electrically conducting fluid was experimentally achieved for the first time in the world in November 99. This physical phenomenon causes the magnetic fields of our Earth and other cosmic bodies, and is thus of fundamental importance for geo- and astrophysics. The Riga dynamo experiment allows to investigate the magnetic field saturation and the turbulent properties of flow and magnetic fields. Such laboratory experiments are of eminent importance for all numerical efforts to understand cosmic dynamos. The Riga dynamo is presently a world-wide unique experimental set-up. The main objective of the project is to exploit and upgrade this facility by providing access to it. In addition, numerical simulations as well as water and sodium model experiments will be realized at the partners. During the first year one measuring campaign at the dynamo facility has been performed delivering for the first time magnetic field measurements inside and outside the facility with a spatial and time resolution sufficient for the analysis of turbulent properties. Maximum values of the flow induced magnetic field in the range of 120 mT have been found.

Systematic studies have been performed within the consortium on topics like water modelling of the flow, numerical simulation of the fluid flow without and with magnetic fields, development of a magnetic coupler as a replace of the present seal, and preparatory tests for velocity measurements in liquid sodium. In a first attempt, some activities address the preparation of the next-generation large-scale dynamo experiment. During the second year two measuring campaigns at the dynamo facility have been performed delivering magnetic field measurements inside and outside the facility with an increased spatial and time resolution, and for the first time also inside the inner part of the dynamo. In addition, direct measurements of the sodium velocity in the outer part of the dynamo have been realized. Systematic studies have been performed within the consortium on topics like water modelling of the flow, numerical simulation of the fluid flow without and with magnetic fields, development of a magnetic coupler as a replace of the present seal, and preparatory tests for velocity and pressure measurements in liquid sodium. An increasing number of activities addresses the preparation of the next-generation large-scale dynamo experiment.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › chemical sciences › inorganic chemistry › alkali metals
• natural sciences › earth and related environmental sciences › hydrology › hydroinformatics
• natural sciences › physical sciences › astronomy › astrophysics

Programme(s)

• FP5-HUMAN POTENTIAL - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Improving the human research potential and the socio-economic knowledge base" (1998-2002)

Topic(s)

• 1.4.1.-2. - Access to Research Infrastructures

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

RESEARCH CENTER ROSSENDORF

Address

01314 Weissig - Dresden
Germany

Participants (6)

CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE

France

Address

Rue De La Piscine 1025
38041 Grenoble

DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Netherlands

Address

136,lorentzweg 1
2628 CJ Delft

DRESDEN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Germany

Address

Mommsenstrasse 13
01062 Dresden

INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE

France

Address

1023,rue De La Piscine 1023, Domaine Universitaire De S
34041 Grenoble

UNIVERSITE JOSEPH FOURIER - GRENOBLE 1

France

Address

Rue De La Piscine 1025, Domaine Universitaire
38041 Grenoble

UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA

Latvia

Address

Miera Street 32
2169 Salaspils 1