Effect of Magnetic Field on MHD Pressure Drop Inside a Rectangular Conducting Duct

The effect of increasing Hartmann number and duct wall conductivity on the incompressible laminar flow of a liquid metal (Pb-17Li) in a rectangular duct under a transverse magnetic field has numerically been studied using usual equations of fluid dynamics coupled with the electromagnetic equations of the appropriate form. Simulations have been performed for ducts with and without electrical insulation, and the pressure drop is evaluated in each of the cases. The results of the simulation are compared with the analytical relations found in the literature. Finally, the applicability of different insulation coatings vis-a grave-vis their effect in reducing the magnetohydrodynamics pressure drop has been examined.