The Role and Influence of Magnetic Fields in Cosmology

[摘要] The work of this thesis is concerned with the large scale effects of magnetic fields in the universe. Largely, a review has been made of the research done to date in this area, which is a recent field of research, and one not fully understood. An attempt has been made to understand the important points in this potentially enormous topic, and highlight areas which are inconsistent and those which are producing interesting results. We begin with the standard model of cosmology and the recent work incorporating magnetic fields into this framework. In particular we look closely at the generation mechanisms of magnetic fields in the universe, since these will determine the strength of magnetic fields and the epoch in which they are generated, and hence the extent of their influence. In particular we analyse the validity of a battery mechanism for generating magnetic fields in galaxies. Next we look to relaxing some of the constraints placed on magnetic field strength and configuration by the standard cosmological model. In particular we look at the work of Battaner et al who suggest that large scale structure could form by flux tube configurations of magnetic fields in the early universe. Further we review the work of Peratt and others who ignore entirely the framework of the standard cosmological model, and assign much greater significance to magnetic fields on large scales. Again flux tube configurations are proposed, but now on scales of galaxies and clusters. The cosmological framework behind this work is that of Alfven's cosmology, and this is reviewed in chapter 5.

[发布机构] University:University of Glasgow

[关键词] Astrophysics