A numerical study of flows driven by a rotating magnetic field in a square container

The influence of the geometry on the magnetically driven flow is studied by means of numerical simulations. Low–frequency, low–induction and low–interaction conditions are assumed. The rotating magnetic field (RMF) gives rise to a time–independent magnetic body force, computed via the electrical potential equation and Ohm's law and a time–dependent part that is neglected due to the low interaction parameter. Flow results of the cylindrical and square container are compared with respect to the magnetic body force, time–averaged velocity fields, first flow instabilities and Reynolds stress tensors. The dependency of the maximal velocity magnitude and the intensity of the magnetic induction is identical in axisymmetric and non–axisymmetric containers and in good agreement with Davidson's theory. However, significant differences are recognized, for instance, in the distribution of the Reynolds stress tensors. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)