Solution of magnetohydrodynamic flow problems using the boundary element method

A boundary element solution is implemented for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow problem in ducts with several geometrical cross-section with insulating walls when a uniform magnetic field is imposed perpendicular to the flow direction. The coupled velocity and induced magnetic field equations are first transformed into uncoupled inhomogeneous convection-diffusion type equations. After introducing particular solutions, only the homogeneous equations are solved by using boundary element method (BEM). The fundamental solutions of the uncoupled equations themselves (convection-diffusion type) involve the Hartmann number (M) through exponential and modified Bessel functions. Thus, it is possible to obtain results for large values of M (M <= 300) using only the simplest constant boundary elements. It is found that as the Hartmann number increases, boundary layer formation starts near the walls and there is a flattening tendency for both the velocity and the induced magnetic field. Also, velocity becomes uniform at the center of the duct. These are the well-known behaviours of MHD flow. The velocity and the induced magnetic field contours are graphically visualized for several values of At and for different geometries of the duct cross-section. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.