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Linear stability of thermocapillary convection in cylindrical liquid bridges under axial magnetic fields

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 1999

M. PRANGE
Affiliation:
Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, ZARM – University of Bremen, Am Fallturm, D-28359 Bremen, Germany Present address: Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany.
M. WANSCHURA
Affiliation:
Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, ZARM – University of Bremen, Am Fallturm, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
H. C. KUHLMANN
Affiliation:
Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, ZARM – University of Bremen, Am Fallturm, D-28359 Bremen, Germany
H. J. RATH
Affiliation:
Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity, ZARM – University of Bremen, Am Fallturm, D-28359 Bremen, Germany

Abstract

The stability of axisymmetric steady thermocapillary convection of electrically conducting fluids in half-zones under the influence of a static axial magnetic field is investigated numerically by linear stability theory. In addition, the energy transfer between the basic state and a disturbance is considered in order to elucidate the mechanics of the most unstable mode. Axial magnetic fields cause a concentration of the thermocapillary flow near the free surface of the liquid bridge. For the low Prandtl number fluids considered, the most dangerous disturbance is a non-axisymmetric steady mode. It is found that axial magnetic fields act to stabilize the basic state. The stabilizing effect increases with the Prandtl number and decreases with the zone height, the heat transfer rate at the free surface and buoyancy when the heating is from below. The magnetic field also influences the azimuthal symmetry of the most unstable mode.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© 1999 Cambridge University Press

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