A study of fast dynamo action in chaotic helical cells

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Abstract
Fast dynamo action in a chaotic time-periodic flow is investigated. Chaotic motion is created by perturbing a spatially periodic array of helical cells similar to Roberts’ cells, leading to an identifiable stretch–fold–shear fast dynamo mechanism. Using the stochastic Wiener bundle method to treat diffusion exactly, numerical results are presented suggesting fast dynamo action. A new numerical method for modelling the role of small magnetic diffusivity is introduced and results are compared with those calculated using the Wiener bundle method. Implications for the role of diffusion in the fast dynamo process are investigated. Finally the relation of the new method to a previously used ‘flux growth’ method are discussed.

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