Convection and Dynamo in the Earth's Fluid Core
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Engineering Computer Science and Maths
Abstract
Constructing numerical geodynamo models with sufficient geophysical realism on modern massively parallel computers is of both practical and scientific importance. Supported by a NERC grant (NER/O/S/2001/01262, running 01/10/2003 to 26/12/2007), we have taken a major step towards the development of a new generation, EBE (element-by-element) finite element geodynamo code that has two main significant advantages: it is particularly suitable for modern massively parallel computers achieving nearly linear scalability and it is highly flexible to be capable of incorporating geophysical realism such as non-spherical geometry and local variations. This application requests funding for one PDRA at Exeter to continue/extend our existing productive research on the asymptotic convection study and geodynamo modeling and to advance our understanding of the spatial and temporal structure of non-magnetic nonlinear convection in the Earth's liquid core and of how the convection-driven geodynamo operating in an electrically conducting fluid core and the pattern of magnetic flux emanating from the Earth's liquid core are affected by an electrically heterogeneous lower mantle.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Keke Zhang (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Zhang K
(2014)
On precessing flow in an oblate spheroid of arbitrary eccentricity
in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
ZHANG K
(2010)
On fluid flows in precessing narrow annular channels: asymptotic analysis and numerical simulation
in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Liao X
(2012)
On flow in weakly precessing cylinders: the general asymptotic solution
in Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Kong D
(2010)
Shapes of two-layer models of rotating planets
in Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets
Kong D
(2014)
The shape, internal structure and gravity of the fast spinner ß Pictoris b
in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters
Zhang K
(2015)
Inertial convection in a rotating narrow annulus: Asymptotic theory and numerical simulation
in Physics of Fluids
Kong D
(2014)
The sidewall-localized mode in a resonant precessing cylinder
in Physics of Fluids
Zhang K
(2010)
On fluid flows in precessing spheres in the mantle frame of reference
in Physics of Fluids
Li L
(2010)
On nonlinear multiarmed spiral waves in slowly rotating fluid systems
in Physics of Fluids
Schubert G
(2011)
Shapes and gravitational fields of rotating two-layer Maclaurin ellipsoids: Application to planets and satellites
in Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
Description | We have discovered the possible resonance in planetary systems due to libration. A new asymptotic theory for the classical problem of thermal convection in rotating spheres is developed. |
Exploitation Route | The findings have motivated several lab/numerical experiments. |
Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Other |
Description | My findings presented in my theory have been confirmed several lab experiments. |
First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Other |
Impact Types | Cultural |