Magnetohydrodynamic flows entering the region of a flow channel insert in a duct

In this study, three-dimensional developing liquid-metal (LM) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows entering the region of the flow channel insert (FCI) under a uniform magnetic field are numerically analyzed. The features of the LM MHD flows in a square duct near the leading edge of the FCI are examined in terms of flow velocity, pressure, current, electric potential, and Lorentz force. Because near the leading edge of the FCI the current moves obliquely in the inner flow region, the pressure gradient along the main flow direction near the slit of FCI's leading edge is smaller, yielding a region of velocity recirculation with lower electric potential therein. The interdependency of current, fluid velocity, pressure, electric potential gradient, and Lorentz force is examined in order to describe the electromagnetic features of the current flows.