A linear theory of rotating, thermally stratified, hydromagnetic flow

Abstract

The hydromagnetic flow of a thermally stratified fluid confined between two rotating parallel plates is studied. The flow is assumed to be linear, steady and axially symmetric. The flow is driven both mechanically and thermally and general thermal boundary conditions are applied. Attention is focused upon the mechanism controlling the interior fluid (diffusion, Ekman pumping or hydro-magnetic forces) and upon the conditions under which laminated flow (∂v/∂z ≠ 0) may occur. It is found that the occurrence of laminated flow is very sensitive to the thermal boundary conditions and is suppressed by hydromagnetic effects. For mixed boundary conditions, hydromagnetic forces control the interior and laminated flow is suppressed if α [ges ] O(1), where α2 represents the ratio of hydro-magnetic to Coriolis forces. For a constant heat flux, this occurs for a much weaker magnetic field: if α [ges ] O(E¼). For a restricted range of the parameters, a new boundary layer, called the thermomagnetic layer, in which Coriolis, thermal and hydromagnetic forces balance may occur.