This MSc diploma thesis in Space Engineering at Luleå University of
Technology, was carried out at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
It is within the area of solar physics with focus on the magnetic field of
the Sun.
Within solar physics, the process generating the magnetic field of the Sun
is normally referred to as the solar dynamo. An important tool when it
comes to understanding the magnetic field of the Sun and its interactions
with the whole solar system, is to construct solar dynamo models. The aim
is to obtain a model, which produces output corresponding to the solar
observations and which preferably also could be used to predict the solar
magnetic activity.
A solar flux transport dynamo model code, which was to be used for the
project, was provided by Dr. M. Dikpati. It simulates the magnetic field of
the Sun for a half-sphere solution and the output can be compared to solar
observations.
The initial focus of the project was set on varying a specific magnetic
field parameter in the code and the effects the variations would have on
the solar dynamo model. Interaction of two different kind of these
parameters could possibly lead to destructive interference, which could
terminate the solar dynamo or lead to a significant decrease of its
magnitude. If such a relation is found, it could possibly be related to the
grand minima which has been observed in sunspot occurences.
Some additional numerical surveys were also made, plus two subprojects of
trying to extend the provided code to a full-sphere solution and to
reproduce output for a low-order dynamo model.
Considering the main focus of the project, the differences that could be
identified for varying the magnetic field parameter, were related to the
field strength and locations of the different kind of solar magnetic fields.
Regarding some of the flow parameters connected to the magnetic field, some
conclusions could be made related to their effect on the solar dynamo. For
example, the surface-flow velocity is an efficient parameter for regulating
the period of the solar cycle.
No major conclusions regarding constructive or destructive interference
between the magnetic field parameters in question could be made and as a
cons...
