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Impact of boundary conditions on onset and symmetry of precession-driven dynamos

Victor Botez1,*, André Giesecke2, Caroline Nore1, Loïc Cappanera3, and Frank Stefani2

  • *Contact author: botez@lisn.fr
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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 083701 – Published 14 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/rx1h-5zxp

Abstract

We numerically examine a kinematic dynamo driven by precession in a cylindrical geometry, with particular emphasis on the narrow range of Poincaré numbers where dynamo action is most likely at low and moderate magnetic Reynolds numbers. Using time-averaged velocity fields obtained from hydrodynamic simulations, we analyze the symmetry, oscillation frequency, and onset of the leading magnetic eigenmodes. Two competing families of magnetic fields are identified: a centrosymmetric, higher-frequency quadrupolar mode and a centroantisymmetric, lower-frequency dipolar mode. We then quantify how the dynamo threshold depends on the electromagnetic boundary conditions, including pseudovacuum versus true vacuum treatment and the presence of conducting and/or magnetically permeable vessel walls. We show that simplified vanishing-tangential-field boundary conditions systematically underestimate the critical magnetic Reynolds number, whereas realistic outer layers can either promote or suppress dynamo action depending on their electrical conductivity and on the selected hydrodynamic mean state. These results clarify the role of wall properties and mode selection for the forthcoming DRESDYN precession dynamo experiment.

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Outline

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Phys. Rev. Fluids 11, 083701– Published 14 August, 2026
  • Received 27 April 2026
  • Accepted 20 July 2026
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