Numerical solutions of magneto-hydrodynamic flow past a sphere at high Reynolds numbers

Abstract

Numerical solutions of a steady, incompressible magneto-hydrodynamic flow past a sphere at high Reynolds numbers are presented by using finite differences in spherical polar coordinates with an applied magnetic field parallel to the main flow. Nonlinear coupled governing equations are solved numerically using finite-difference techniques. The results are presented up to Reynolds’ number R ≤ 10 000 and interaction parameter N = 25. Stability and convergence of the finite-difference technique has been discussed. Contours of stream lines and the vorticity are represented graphically up to high Reynolds number R ≤ 10 000 and N = 25. The values of the minimum stream function and vorticity at the primary vortex for different Reynolds numbers are tabulated and discussed.PACS Nos.: 47.11.Bc, 47.27.Jv, 47.63.mc, 52.65.Kj