Stellar Dynamo Theory

Abstract

Three topics of current interest are treated in this review:a)The success and shortcomings of dynamo models for the solar cycle are explained, and oscillator models discussed briefly.b)The intermittent (flux tube) nature of magnetic fields in convection zones leads to new conjectures about stellar dynamos. Arguments are given that the dynamo may operate in the overshoot region below a convective envelope. Mean-field theory for intermittent fields is illustrated.c)I review nonlinear dynamo models and some attempts to interpret observational results concerning late-type active stars.