Effect of strength and direction of external magnetic field on dynamics of vortices in a square lid-driven cavity flow

Abstract

In this study, the effect of magnetic field strength and its direction are considered on square lid-driven cavity flow. The whole range of applicable magnetic field strength which is used in practice up to now (0 to 10 Tesla) is accomplished in this research. The governing equations, including non-linear conservative equations of continuity, momentum and magnetic field equations are solved numerically. Continuity and momentum equations are solved by the finite volume method using SIMPLE algorithm, where the finite difference method is used in the magnetic field equation solving. In this research the effect of magnetic field on the velocity distribution, streamlines and vortex flow show that the vortices of the cavity shrink (decreases) up to 0.01 T where the uniform and vertical magnetic field applied from the bottom surface of the square cavity. For the magnetic field of 0.01 T, vortices in the cavity flow disappear. Higher values of the magnetic field create larger vortices. It was also concluded that the magnetic field has a strong effect on vortex formation, its size and location; therefore it can be used to control the vortex dynamics in a contactless way.