MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC NATURAL CONVECTION OF LIQUID METAL BETWEEN COAXIAL ISOTHERMAL CYLINDERS DUE TO INTERNAL HEATING

Abstract

Direct numerical simulation results are presented of magnetohydrodynamic liquid metal flow between two vertical coaxial cylinders under the effect of internal heating and a horizontal magnetic field. The end walls are thermally insulated, while the cylindrical walls are at the same temperature. The flow is driven by the heat sources under the stabilizing effect of the external magnetic field. The problem is characterized by the internal Rayleigh number, expressing the internal heating, and the Hartmann number corresponding to the magnetic field. Depending on their value laminar, transitional or turbulent flow may occur. The heat sources create bi-cellular flow patterns as the maximum temperature in inside the fluid bulk. Te flow is azimuthally asymmetric due to the Hartmann and Robert layers formed on the walls normal and parallel to the magnetic field, respectively.