3D Modelling of Electro Vortex Flow Inside Liquid Metal and Effect of External Magnetic Fields

Abstract

Electrovortex flow emerges when the current inside conducting liquids interacts with its self-induced magnetic field. The flow structure and strength of the flow are dictated by the current value and the presence of an external magnetic field. We present here 3D simulations for the electrovortex flow inside a liquid metal cylinder. The results presented reveal a typical electrovortex structure for low currents. Higher currents induce turbulence inside the electrovortex flow without any presence of an external magnetic field. In presence of Earth’s magnetic field, the flow structure is affected significantly. Cyclone, tornado, and rope tornado are observed inside the domain due to the earth’s magnetic field depending on the ratio of current applied and the earth’s magnetic field.