Project description
New computer models to simulate how planetary magnetic fields are generated
Understanding how magnetic fields are generated in the cores of planets, a process called dynamo mechanism, remains a major geophysical challenge. To understand the process, one should solve the momentum, induction and heat equations in three dimensions as a function of time in a spherical geometry and link the solutions to the numerous available datasets. Current computer simulations do this by implementing very large fluid viscosities. The EU-funded UEMHP project plans to develop computer code that will treat viscosity and inertia effects as negligible – as they actually are in the planets. Using new computational models, the project will enhance our understanding of how self-sustained dynamos equilibrate and identify the strengths and geometries of the generated magnetic fields as a function of forcing.
Objective
We wish to understand how magnetic fields are generated in the cores of planets. This process is called the dynamo mechanism, whose understanding remains one of the geophysical grand challenges. In cores of rocky planets and in gas giants, thermal forcing results in convection and the resulting flow of liquid metal transports heat and generates magnetic fields as a result of the electrical currents that are induced by their motion. Magnetic field generation affects heat transport and cooling, controlling planetary history and evolution (on Earth it is connected with the growth of the inner core); and ultimately the presence or not of magnetic fields can control the existence of life. To understand the process, the momentum, induction and heat equations must be solved in three dimensions as a function of time in a spherical geometry and linked to the numerous extant data sets that are available. Present-day computer simulations do this by implementing fluid viscosities that are too large by many orders of magnitude. Our aim is to correct this by creating a working computer code that correctly implements a novel theory for the dynamo process in which viscosity and inertia have negligible effects, as is correct for the planets. These dynamos are likely to be different from any previous computational dynamo presented over the last 25 years. The potential rewards of such a correct theory and implementation will be great. We will understand how self-sustained dynamos equilibrate in this never-explored regime, and discover strengths and geometries of generated magnetic fields as a function of forcing. We will discover how to find reversing dynamos, just like on Earth, and understand the mechanisms at play. We will understand the energy requirements, ultimately understand core cooling and also be able to make more accurate predictions of future field evolution. We also aim to understand the new data returning from missions to the giant planets.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- humanities history and archaeology history
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy planetary sciences planets
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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