Numerical Simulation of Evolution of Helical-Vortex Instability in a Fluid Layer Heated from Below

Large-scale helical-vortex instability is simulated numerically for laminar convection regimes. The simulation is based on the nonlinear Boussinesq equations supplemented by an external force of special form, whose structure is identical to the tensor structure of the generative term in the equation for the hydrodynamic alpha-effect. Introducing the external force makes it possible to model the average effect produced by small-scale helical turbulence: generation of a positive feedback between the toroidal and poloidal components of the velocity vector field. The structure and energetics of helical-vortex flows developing in a convectively unstable medium are analyzed. The parameters of helical and non-helical convection regimes are compared. Certain novel effects related to spiral feedback are discussed: generation of a toroidal velocity field in structures with the poloidal circulation typical of ordinary convection; enlargement of the horizontal scale of supercritical motions as a result of the merging of vortex cells, accompanied by a significant increase in the circulation strength in the larger helical vortices formed; qualitative changes in the energetics.