Stellar evolution with rotation and magnetic fields:III: The interplay of circulation and dynamo

TL;DR

This paper investigates how magnetic fields generated by the Tayler--Spruit dynamo influence stellar rotation, circulation, and chemical mixing, revealing complex interactions that affect stellar evolution and observable properties.

Contribution

It demonstrates the combined effects of magnetic fields and circulation on angular momentum and chemical transport in differentially rotating stars, highlighting new insights into stellar interior dynamics.

Findings

Magnetic fields induce nearly solid body rotation during the main sequence.

Enhanced circulation currents promote chemical mixing beyond magnetic effects alone.

The interplay affects stellar lifetimes and positions on the HR diagram.

Abstract

We examine the effects of the magnetic field created by the Tayler--Spruit dynamo in differentially rotating stars. Magnetic fields of the order of a few $10^4$ G are present through most of the stellar envelope, with the exception of the outer layers. The diffusion coefficient for the transport of angular momentum is very large and it imposes nearly solid body rotation during the MS phase. In turn, solid body rotation drives meridional circulation currents which are much faster than usual and leads to much larger diffusion coefficients than the magnetic diffusivity for the chemical species. The consequence is that the interplay of the thermal and magnetic instabilities favours the chemical transport of elements, while there would be no transport in models with magnetic field only. We also discuss the effects on the stellar interior, lifetimes and HR diagram.