
Magnetic flux expulsion in powerful superbubble explosions and the α – Ω dynamo
Author(s) -
Rafikov R. R.,
Kulsrud R. M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03408.x
Subject(s) - physics , dynamo , superbubble , astrophysics , galaxy , flux (metallurgy) , shell (structure) , astronomy , magnetic field , interstellar medium , quantum mechanics , materials science , metallurgy , composite material
The possibility of magnetic flux expulsion from the Galaxy in superbubble (SB) explosions, important for the α –Ω dynamo, is considered. Special emphasis is put on investigation of the downsliding of the matter from the top of the shell formed by the SB explosion, which is able to influence the kinematics of the shell. It is shown that either Galactic gravity or the development of the Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities in the shell limit the SB expansion, thus making magnetic flux expulsion impossible. The effect of cosmic rays in the shell on the sliding is considered, and it is shown that it is negligible compared with Galactic gravity. Thus the question of the possible mechanism of flux expulsion in the α –Ω dynamo remains open.