Published online by Cambridge University Press: 17 April 2009
Nonlinear hydromagnetic connection is investigated using the modal equations for cellular convection. The boundary layer method is used assuming large Rayleigh number R, moderate Prandtl number σ and for different ranges of the Chandrasekhar number Q. The heat flux F is determined for the value of the horizontal wave number which maximizes F. For a weak field, the inertial force dominates over the Lorentz force. F is independent of Q, but it increases with R and σ. For a moderate field, the Lorentz force is significant. F increases with R and σ and decreases as Q increases. For a strong field, the Lorentz force dominates over the inertial force. F is independent of σ, but it increases with R and decreases as Q increases.