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 M and for different geometries of the duct cross-section.