Inertial effects on electrically conducting fluids in the presence of transverse magnetic fields: An example problem

When an electric current Bowing within a conducting fluid crosses magnetic field lines, a body force is created, which may significantly affect the motion of the fluid. This paper treats the flow of a conducting fluid in a toroidal duct. A transverse magnetic field is present, and a portion of one surface of the toroidal duct serves as an electrode. Numerical solutions are presented which illustrate the effect of the electromagnetic body forces and inertial effects on the motion of the fluid. Under the conditions specified, in the absence of a magnetic field, the fluid would remain stagnant, as there is no mechanism to drive the flow. (C) 1997 AEA Technology pie. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.