Numerical simulation of the flow past a pair of magnetic obstacles

Abstract

We present a quasi-two-dimensional numerical simulation of the flow of a thin layer of electrolyte past a pair of localized Lorentz forces, named magnetic obstacles, placed side by side. Opposing Lorentz forces are produced by the interaction of the magnetic field created by a pair of small permanent magnets and a D.C. current applied tranversally to the main flow. By varying the separation between the magnets and the intensity of the applied current, different flow regimes are analyzed. The attention is focused on the interference of the wakes created by the magnetic obstacles.