Numerical simulation of magnetohydrodynamic flow in a toroidal duct of square cross-section

We present numerical simulation results of the quasi-static magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow in a toroidal duct of square cross-section with insulating Hartmann walls and conducting side walls. Both laminar and turbulent flows are considered. In the case of steady flows, we present a comprehensive analysis of the secondary flow. It consists of two counter-rotating vortex cells, with additional side wall vortices emerging at sufficiently high Hartmann number. Our results agree well with existing asymptotic analysis. In the turbulent regime, we make a comparison between hydrodynamic and MHD flows. We find that the curvature induces an asymmetry between the inner and outer side of the duct, with higher turbulence intensities occurring at the outer side wall. The magnetic field is seen to stabilize the flow so that only the outer side layer remains unstable. These features are illustrated both by a study of statistically averaged quantities and by a visualization of (instantaneous) coherent vortices.

► We study numerically the quasi-static MHD flow in a square toroidal duct.
► The secondary flow in the laminar regime is characterized by side wall vortices.
► In the turbulent regime, the inner side wall is more stable then the outer one.
► The magnetic field reduces the turbulence level and variations along its direction.