We quantify possible differences between turbulent dynamo action in the Sun
and the dynamo action studied in idealized simulations. For this purpose we
compare Fourier-space shell-to-shell energy transfer rates of three
incrementally more complex dynamo simulations: an incompressible, periodic
simulation driven by random flow, a simulation of Boussinesq convection, and a
simulation of fully compressible convection that includes physics relevant to
the near-surface layers of the Sun. For each of the simulations studied, we
find that the dynamo mechanism is universal in the kinematic regime because
energy is transferred from the turbulent flow to the magnetic field from
wavenumbers in the inertial range of the energy spectrum. The addition of
physical effects relevant to the solar near-surface layers, including
stratification, compressibility, partial ionization, and radiative energy
transport, does not appear to affect the nature of the dynamo mechanism. The
role of inertial-range shear stresses in magnetic field amplification is
independent from outer-scale circumstances, including forcing and
stratification. Although the shell-to-shell energy transfer functions have
similar properties to those seen in mean-flow driven dynamos in each simulation
studied, the saturated states of these simulations are not universal because
the flow at the driving wavenumbers is a significant source of energy for the
magnetic field.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Ap