Stability of laminar magnetofluid flow along a parallel magnetic field

Abstract

A perfect magnetofluid model is used, without viscosity or resistivity. The simpler velocity and magnetic profiles are classified into stable and unstable groups. The analysis takes account of exponential and non-exponential time dependence, and of rigid and free boundaries.A variety of stability criteria are established, and related to similar results in non-conducting fluid mechanics. A constant magnetic field is shown to stabilize some velocity profiles but destabilize others.