Pumping effect in a flat MHD channel with an electrovortex flow

S. Khripchenko - I. Kolesnichenko - V. Dolgikh

Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics, Perm, Russia

Abstract
MHD devices can be used for liquid metal pumping. The operation principle of such pumps is based on the action of electromagnetic forces, which generate the transient metal flow in the channels of these devices. The pumping effect in most MHD pumps is reasoned by the potential component of electromagnetic forces, yet in some cases it can be produced by the eddy component of these forces that drives the vortex flow in the channel. In this paper, several models of MHD devices are considered, where the pumping effect is due to the electrovortex flow initiated in the channels of these devices. A mathematical model is developed to describe the turbulent vortex flow in a flat channel, and the results of numerical and physical experiments are presented. Tables 1, Figs 12, Refs 6.