Stability of the flow of weakly electro-conductive fluid in the presence of a spiral magnetic field

The stability to small disturbances of the flow in a pipe of annular cross section is considered in the presence of a spiral magnetic field. The investigated duct configuration consists of two infinite coaxial cylinders between which a weakly electroconductive viscous incompressible fluid is placed, which moves under the axial pressure gradient. The azimuthal magnetic field is created by a current flowing through the central cylinder, and the longitudinal magnetic field is created by an external solenoid. The magnetohydrodynamic approximation is used. It is found that the introduction of the azimuthal magnetic field may lead to a flow destabilization as compared to the case of only the longitudinal magnetic field.