Solar and Planetary Studies at the Fluid and Complex Systems Research Centre, Coventry University

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Rotation and magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the universe and play a crucial role in the interior dynamics of the Sun and planets, solar surface, and heliospheric phenomena. Within the framework of magnetohydrodynamics, the fluid motion is influenced by magnetic fields while the latter is either amplified by the inductive motion of the fluid (dynamo action) or rapidly dissipated (leading to heating). Other instabilities and waves may arise and produce nonlinearly saturated states which are turbulent. Nonlinear interactions between the magnetic field, rotation, and turbulence are the key challenge in understanding the transport in the interior of stars and planets, solar wind turbulence, and their evolution over time. We propose a timely, synergistic programme to investigate some of these outstanding problems pertinent to the nonlinear dynamics of the solar deep interior to solar surface phenomena, solar wind turbulence, and planetary interiors. Specifically, we propose the following five projects in the next three years: Project 1: Stochastic modelling of solar variability, transport, and evolution. Project 2: Nonlinear flow states and turbulence produced by helical magnetorotational-type instabilities. Project 3: Heating and the loss of information in solar wind turbulence. Project 4: Turbulent convective transport in the interior ocean, ice, and interface layers of ice giants and icy ocean worlds. Project 5: Long-term evolution of convective, solar-type stars. Project 5 is an experimental project while the others are theoretical/computational. We address key STFC Science Challenge B. "How do stars and planetary systems develop and how do they support the existence of life'' (Projects 1-5) and A: "How did the Universe begin and how is it evolving?'' (Projects 1 & 5). We will combine the key, complementary skills of the applicants in theory, computation and experiments in fluids (hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics) and plasmas, and will benefit from close collaborations with colleagues working on observations of newly emerging data to create world-class research (STFC 1st strategic goal).