The influence of a cylindrical cathode on the electro-vortex flow of liquid metal: Numerical simulations and laboratory experiments

Abstract

Abstract The electro-vortex flow of liquid metal in a cylindrical cell, placed into external vertical magnetic field, in case of axial electric current application is studied numerically and experimentally. The results are compared to those previously obtained in case of a localized electric current application. In the absence of the external magnetic field, the comparison shows no qualitative change in the flow structure. In presence of the external magnetic field, a poloidal motion is suppressed. A critical magnetic field of poloidal suppression is shown to be approximately 50% higher in case of axial electric current application.