Collaborative Research: Decay and Diffusion of Dynamo-Generated Magnetic Fields in Astrophysical Plasmas

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $416,302 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This award supports a collaboration between Princeton University and Dartmouth College to explore how self-generated magnetic fields can persist and disperse in turbulent astrophysical plasmas. Astronomical observations of our Galaxy and clusters of galaxies indicate ubiquitous cosmic magnetic fields at the micro-Gauss level, or about one-millionth of the Earth's magnetic field. While weak, such magnetic fields appear to be pervasive and are dynamically important in the Universe even though astrophysical sources of magnetic field generation are often neither steady nor persistent. This collaborative project will use theoretical and numerical modeling approaches to address how present-day galaxies and galaxy clusters not only came to host dynamically important magnetic fields, but also maintain those fields. Such study of the sustenance and longevity of magnetic fields in a turbulent plasma constitutes a key research frontier in plasma astrophysics and basic plasma science. The award will also support an ongoing program of biennial summer schools on plasma astrophysics and astrophysical fluid dynamics for undergraduate and early graduate students. These schools enhance the infrastructure for plasma science research and education in the US by attempting to remedy the relative lack of fluid and plasma physics education in US physics and astronomy curricula. This project will use a combination of analytical theory and a suite of cutting-edge fluid-based and kinetic numeric

Key facts

NSF award ID
2512037
Awardee
Dartmouth College (NH)
SAM.gov UEI
EB8ASJBCFER9
PI
Muni Zhou
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
UNITED KINGDOM, CDS&E, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$416,302
Funds obligated
$416,302
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
06/01/2025 → 05/31/2028