Implicit large-eddy simulations of global solar convection: Effects of numerical resolution in nonrotating and rotating cases

As the grid resolution increases, the turbulent correlations change in such a way that a solar-like differential rotation, obtained in the simulation with the coarser grid, transitions to an antisolar differential rotation. The reason for this change is the contribution of the effective viscosity to the balance of the forces driving large-scale flows. As the effective viscosity decreases, the angular momentum balance improves, yet the force balance in the meridional direction lessens, favoring a strong meridional flow that advects angular momentum toward the poles.

The results suggest that obtaining the correct distribution of angular momentum may not be a mere issue of numerical resolution. Accounting for additional physics, such as magnetism or the near-surface shear layer, may be necessary in simulating the solar interior.