Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-m6dg7 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-07T05:22:17.532Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

End effects in inviscid flow in a magnetohydrodynamic channel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2006

G. W. Sutton
Affiliation:
Space Sciences Laboratory, General Electric Company, Philadelphia
A. W. Carlson
Affiliation:
Space Sciences Laboratory, General Electric Company, Philadelphia

Abstract

The flow of an inviscid, incompressible electrical conducting fluid in a channel of constant rectangular cross-section is considered, when the flow enters a region which contains a magnetic field transverse to the flow and electrodes on opposite sides of the channel. This geometry is typical of a d.c. induction pump or magnetohydrodynamic generator. The conducting fluid external to the magnetic field acts as a shunt and produces a non-uniform electric potential field and hence a non-uniform Lorenz force on the fluid, and causes the fluid velocity profile to be distorted. These effects are calculated theoretically for small magnetic Reynolds number and small magnetic interaction parameter. It is found that the velocity at the centre-line of the channel is retarded and at the walls the velocity is accelerated. The fractional change of velocity at the wall is equal to approximately 0·44 times a modified magnetic interaction parameter.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1961 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Fishman, F. 1959 End effects in magnetohydrodynamic flow. AVCO-Everett Res. Rep. 78.
Hurwitz, H., Kilb, R. W. & Sutton, G. W. 1961 Influence of tensor conductivity on current distribution in an MHD generator. J. Appl. Phys. 32, 205.Google Scholar
Rossow, V., Jones, W. P. & Huerta, R. 1961 On the induced flow of an electrically conducting liquid in a rectangular duct by electric and magnetic fields of finite extent. Nat. Adv. Comm. Aero., Wash., Tech. Note no. D-349.
Shercliff, J. A. 1956 Edge effects in electromagnetic flowmeters. J. Nuclear Energy, 3, 305.Google Scholar
Sutton, G. W., Hurwitz, H. & Poritsky, H. 1959 Electrical and pressure losses in a magnetohydrodynamic channel due to end current loops. General Electric Co., TIS Rep. R59SD 431.