Effect of the local acceleration term on the MHD transient free convection flow over a vertical plate

Authors: Aldoss T.K.; Al-Nimr M.A.; Khadrawi A.F.

Source: International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Volume 15, Number 3, 2005 , pp. 296-305(10)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose - The transient hydrodynamics and thermal behavior of free convection flow over an isothermal vertical flat plate is investigated. Design/methodology/approach - The study focuses on the role of the local acceleration term in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) momentum equation. A finite difference method based on a second-order differential equation is used to solve the differential equations. Findings - It is found that the local acceleration term has insignificant effect on the flow behavior especially at large values of magnetic forces. Also, it is found that the effect of the magnetic forces on the flow hydrodynamics behavior is significant but its effect on the thermal behavior is insignificant. It has been realized that the local acceleration term is usually small compared to the magnetic retarding force, and hence can be neglected. Research limitations/implications - A quantitative description of the operating and geometrical parameters within which the local acceleration term may be significant is not available in the literature yet. Also, the authors' intention is to improve physical understanding of the hydrodynamic and thermal behaviors of the present problem. Originality/value - The study provides results concerning the thermal behavior of free convection flow.

Keywords: Convection; Flow; Hydrodynamics

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09615530510583883

Publication date: 2005-03-01