Simulations of Core Convection in Rotating A‐Type Stars: Magnetic Dynamo Action

Core convection and dynamo activity deep within rotating A-type stars of 2 solar masses are studied with 3–D nonlinear simulations. Our modeling considers the inner 30 % by radius of such stars, thus capturing within a spherical domain the convective core and a modest portion of the surrounding radiative envelope. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations are solved using the anelastic spherical harmonic (ASH) code to examine turbulent flows and magnetic fields, both of which exhibit intricate time dependence. By introducing small seed magnetic fields into our progenitor hydrodynamic models rotating at one and four times the solar rate, we assess here how the vigorous convection can amplify those fields and sustain them against ohmic decay. Dynamo action is indeed realized, ultimately yielding magnetic fields that possess energy densities comparable to that of the flows. Such magnetism reduces the differential rotation obtained in the progenitors, partly by Maxwell stresses that transport angular momentum poleward and oppose the Reynolds stresses in the latitudinal balance.