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Magnetically Induced Rotating Rayleigh-Taylor Instability
Published on: March 3, 2017
Theory of current-driven instability experiments in magnetic Taylor-Couette flows
Günther Rüdiger1, Manfred Schultz, Dima Shalybkov
1Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, An der Sternwarte 16, D-14482 Potsdam, Germany. gruediger@aip.de
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|February 1, 2008
Summary
The magnetic field destabilizes dissipative Taylor-Couette flow, except for specific configurations. Experiments with liquid metals are feasible, requiring modest rotation rates and currents, especially with wider gaps.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Magnetohydrodynamics
- Plasma physics
Background:
- The Taylor-Couette flow is a fundamental system for studying fluid instabilities.
- Magnetic fields significantly alter fluid behavior, particularly in conductive fluids.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for astrophysical and industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the linear stability of dissipative magnetic Taylor-Couette flow.
- To analyze the influence of toroidal magnetic fields on flow stability.
- To determine the conditions under which magnetic fields destabilize or stabilize the flow.
Main Methods:
- Linear stability analysis of the Navier-Stokes and induction equations.
- Consideration of insulating and conducting boundaries for the cylinders.
- Parametric study involving the magnetic Prandtl number and Hartmann number.
Main Results:
- The toroidal magnetic field generally destabilizes the flow, except for profiles near the current-free solution.
- A specific uniform field profile shows initial stabilization, followed by destabilization via the m=1 mode.
- For strong magnetic fields, the flow becomes unstable even without rotation.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies critical parameters influencing the stability of magnetic Taylor-Couette flow.
- Experimental realization is feasible with liquid metals like sodium or gallium, particularly in wide-gap configurations.
- Modest rotation rates and electric currents are sufficient for laboratory studies.
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