Experimental evidence for Tayler instability in a liquid metal column

TL;DR

This paper presents experimental evidence of the Tayler instability in a liquid metal column, confirming numerical predictions and discussing its implications for astrophysics and energy storage technologies.

Contribution

First experimental demonstration of Tayler instability in a liquid metal column using GaInSn, validating theoretical models and exploring interactions with convection.

Findings

Tayler instability observed at high currents up to 8 kA

Magnetic field measurements match numerical predictions

Interaction with Joule heating-induced convection discussed

Abstract

In the current-driven, kink-type Tayler instability (TI) a sufficiently strong azimuthal magnetic field becomes unstable against non-axisymmetric perturbations. The TI has been discussed as a possible ingredient of the solar dynamo mechanism and a source of the helical structures in cosmic jets. It is also considered as a size limiting factor for liquid metal batteries. We report on a liquid metal TI experiment using a cylindrical column of the eutectic alloy GaInSn to which electrical currents of up to 8 kA are applied. We present results of external magnetic field measurements that indicate the occurrence of the TI in good agreement with numerical predictions. The interference of TI with the competing large scale convection, resulting from Joule heating, is also discussed.