Effect of curvature and magnetic field on MHD flow of a liquid metal in a curved annular duct

Abstract

Purpose – The steady laminar quasi-3D fully developed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of a liquid metal in a curved annular channel is studied in order to determine the effect of the magnetic field on the velocity distribution. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the fluid motion under the effect of the applied transverse external magnetic field, an additional magnetic field and an electric current density are induced. A hybrid formulation is used for the induced electric current density, implementing for its axial component the Ohm’s law and for its transverse components the Ampere’s law. The suggested formulation (denominated h-formulation) is combined with the extended Continuity Vorticity Pressure numerical variational method for MHD flows. Findings – Results are obtained for different values of curvature ratios and Hartmann numbers. It is proved that as the strength of the magnetic field increases, two side regions of velocity jets are formulated in the right and in the left half sides of the inner cylinder in a direction parallel to the external magnetic field. The magnitude of the axial velocity at each region is determined by the balance of the centrifugal and the electromagnetic forces. The results help to better understand the MHD flow in toroidal ducts. Originality/value – The results aim to help to a better understanding of the MHD flow in curved ducts.