On non-linear magneto convection in a mushy layer with joule heating

This paper studies the flow pattern of non-linear magneto convection that can be realized in a horizontal mushy layer and in the presence of joule heating, which is the amount of heat produced by the induced magnetic field. We consider the appropriate system of equations and the associated boundary conditions for the flow in the mushy layer subjected to a vertical magnetic field of uniform strength. Under certain assumptions and conditions, we determine the stable finite-amplitude solutions of the resulting system using a perturbation approach and stability analysis. We find, in particular, that for a wide range of values of the joule heating parameter and sufficiently small amplitude of the flow, the only stable convective flow is in the form of subcritical down-hexagons with down-flow at the cells' centers and up-flow at the cells' boundaries. This result is in sharp contrast to the case in the absence of joule heating where instead the subcritical up-hexagons with up-flow at the cells' centers and down-flow at the cells' boundaries can be stable. In the presence of joule heating the stable subcritical down-hexagons were found to be enhanced with increasing the strength of the externally imposed magnetic field.

► Presence of joule heating cam lead to stable down-hexagons. ► Joule heating can enhance stable domain for down-hexagons. ► There is tendency for chimney formation at nodes of down-hexagons. ► Rolls and down-hexagons are possible stable solutions. ► Presence of joule heating can lead to unstable up-hexagons.