A Liquid Sodium Simulation of the αω Dynamo A Proposal to the DOE EPSCoR Program for Support of a Laboratory Simulation of the Dynamo that Powers AGN and Creates the Magnetic Energy and Flux of the Universe

The origin of the magnetic fields of extra galactic, galactic and compact objects is poorly understood. Support is requested for a liquid sodium experiment to demonstrate (1) the magneto rotational instability (2) the poloidal to toroidal gain of the ω-phase, and (3) positive gain of an α ω dynamo. The α ω dynamo is the likely explanation of astrophysical magnetic fields. A magnetic field is twisted in a differentially rotating conducting fluid, liquid sodium, by Couette flow. The α-helicity is produced by jet-driven plumes. Seed monies from NMIMT, NSF and LANL have allowed us to construct a meter size, 50 kW apparatus with diagnostics. Fusion magnetic confinement and the dominant magnetic free energy of the universe both require the understanding of MHD and its instabilities. The α ω dynamo is one such instability that similarly depends upon reconnection. 1 GOALS AND SIGNIFICANCE TO THE FUSION PROGRAM

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