Effect of a strong axial magnetic field on swirling flow in a cylindrical cavity with a top rotating lid

Abstract

Behavior of swirling flow in a cylindrical container with top rotating lid has been investigated under the influence of a strong axial magnetic field. The flow is assumed to be axisymmetric for the parameters considered in the study. The flow domain consists of a cylindrical cavity with a top rotating lid packed with viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid, e.g. liquid metal. A steady magnetic field acts perpendicular to the bottom wall of the cavity. When the top rotating lid rotates an Ekman boundary layer develops in vicinity to the top rotating lid. However, the presence of a Hartmann boundary layer not only restrains the vortex breakdown but also shifts its position to some extent. All the walls of the cavity are assumed to be electrically insulated.