Numerical analysis of two-dimensional flow in an AC magneto-hydrodynamic micropump

Abstract

The effect of a fluctuating Lorentz force on the AC magnetohydrodynamic micropump is studied. A two-dimensional transient developing laminar flow is modeled. The governing Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically using the finite-difference method and the SIMPLE algorithm. The effect of the Hartmann number on the transient and steady-flow velocity is studied. It is found that controlling the electrical conductivity and magnetic-flux density will allow us to control the entrance region length. The effect of the Stanton number and phase angle is also included, and it is found that at high frequency, the pulsed volume is small, which yields a continuous flow instead of a pulsating flow, and the magnitude and direction of the flow can be controlled by the phase shift between the electrical and magnetic fields.PACS Nos.: 45.20.dh, 47.10.dh, 47.11.dc, 47.15.Cb