Magnetized Oscillatory Double-diffusive Convection

Abstract We study the properties of oscillatory double-diffusive convection (ODDC) in presence a uniform vertical background magnetic field. ODDC takes place stellar regions that are unstable according to Schwarzschild criterion and stable Ledoux (sometimes called semiconvective regions), which often predicted reside just outside core intermediate-mass main-sequence stars. Previous hydrodynamic studies have shown basic instability saturates into state weak wave-like convection, but secondary can sometimes transform it layered where layers then rapidly merge grow until entire region is fully convective. find magnetized has very similar overall, with some important quantitative differences. A linear stability analysis reveals fastest-growing modes unaffected by field, other are. Numerically, field seen influence saturation instability, overall reducing turbulent fluxes temperature composition. This turn affects layer formation, usually delaying it, occasionally suppressing entirely for sufficiently strong fields. Further work will be needed, however, determine strength above formation actually suppressed Potential observational implications briefly discussed.