 Algebraic alpha quenching

Algebraic alpha quenching prescribes a field-dependent alpha effect as a closure for nonlinear mean-field dynamo feedback. The polynomial law $\alpha ={\alpha }_0-p|B{|}^2$ with $p>0$ decreases alpha, so it can saturate positive alpha but makes negative alpha more negative. It therefore differs importantly from the sign-preserving rational law ${\alpha }_0/(1+|B{|}^2/B_{\ast }^2)$. Its solutions must satisfy nonnegative squared-amplitude conditions; an assertion based only on large $|{\alpha }_0|$ need not hold for both signs.