Sasa Kenjeres (MSP) increases understanding of Earth''s magnetic field

Science attributes the creation of the Earth''s magnetic field to the movement of electricity conducting liquids in the molten core of the Earth. Researchers have recently conducted experiments to replicate and study this mechanism.

Experiments conducted in Riga (1999) revealed for the first time that a cylindrical-shaped fluid flow of metal moving in a spiralling motion can generate a slowly growing magnetic field. This was followed by the EU research project MAGDYN (2001-2005), which aimed to show how the generated magnetic field itself is capable of persisting.

The design of these experiments and the theoretical interpretation of the data relied heavily on the statistical simulation models developed by Dr. Sasa Kenjeres and Prof. Kemal Hanjalic of TU Delft''s Multi Scale Physics department. Moreover, their theoretical and statistical model was the first to explain and predict the observable effects in Riga.

Based on the findings of Kenjeres and Hanjalic, a new generation of experimental facilities have now been developed in the US (Los Alamos and Maryland, among other places), Grenoble and Russia (Perm). These facilities will allow the Earth''s magnetic core to be replicated more realistically than ever before. The new experiments are expected to provide valuable new insights into the Earth''s magnetic field.  

Note for editors
For more information:

Dr. Sasa Kenjeres
T: 015 278 3649
E: S.Kenjeres@remove-this.tudelft.nl

Frank Nuijens, Research Information Officer,
T: 015 278 4259
E: F.W.Nuijens@remove-this.tudelft.nl

Films of the simulation model can be viewed at Multi-scale Physics  The article in Physical Review Letters is available at the webite of Physical Review Letters.

See also the

Malaysia Sun

New India

''Aardpit'' in Delta 09 15-03-2007 (only Dutch)