An antidynamo theorem is any of several results in the physics of magnetism that restrict the kinds of magnetic fields a self-sustaining dynamo process can generate. Thomas Cowling's 1934 antidynamo theorem shows that no axisymmetric magnetic field can be maintained by dynamo action driven by an axially symmetric current, while Yakov Zeldovich's 1957 antidynamo theorem shows that a purely two-dimensional, planar flow likewise cannot sustain dynamo action. Together these theorems rule out the simplest, most symmetric field configurations as possible products of a self-sustaining dynamo.
Facts
StatementNo axisymmetric magnetic field can be maintained indefinitely by a self-sustaining dynamo driven by an axially symmetric electric current. Thomas Cowling proved the result in 1934, in a study of sunspot magnetic fields. 1 Classification
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Entity-backed identity for the statement-form enum value this theorem already carries, resolved to a mathematics concept by an explicit value-to-entity map (phase 3 bucket conversion, docs\design_entity_backed_browse_buckets_20260928.md). The statement-form fact itself stays on the theorem unchanged.
Sources
1. Antidynamo Theorem (Wikipedia)
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One notable example is Thomas Cowling's antidynamo theorem which states that no axisymmetric magnetic field can be maintained through a self-sustaining dynamo action by an axially symmetric current.
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