Numerical methods for the solution of the electrodynamics in magnetohydrodynamic flows

A finite difference method and a finite element method have been developed for the solution of a two-dimensional steady state electrodynamic problem in magnetohydrodynamic flows for a magnetic Reynolds number much lower than one. The finite different method is based on an exponential fitting scheme. The finite element method is obtained from a variational formulation. The two methods have been applied for the solution of the electrodynamic problem in the plasma flow of an MHD generator. The results obtained are discussed and compared.