Large-scale intermittency of liquid-metal channel flow in a magnetic field

TL;DR

This paper predicts a new flow regime in liquid metals under magnetic fields, characterized by intermittent steady and bursty three-dimensional flows, with potential implications for metallurgical processes, based on numerical simulations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel flow regime in liquid-metal channel flow influenced by magnetic fields, supported by direct numerical simulations at low magnetic Reynolds number.

Findings

Identification of a new intermittency flow regime

Flow characterized by long steady periods and bursts

Potential applications in metallurgy

Abstract

We predict a novel flow regime in liquid metals under the influence of a magnetic field. It is characterised by long periods of nearly steady, two-dimensional flow interrupted by violent three-dimensional bursts. Our prediction has been obtained from direct numerical simulations in a channel geometry at low magnetic Reynolds number and translates into physical parameters which are amenable to experimental verification under laboratory conditions. The new regime occurs in a wide range of parameters and may have implications for metallurgical applications.