MHD turbulence at low magnetic Reynolds number: Present understanding and future needs

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to summarize the most important results and established ideas on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence in flows of liquid metals when the magnetic Reynolds number is significantly smaller than unity. It is written on the basis of the round-table discussion organised during the Coventry meeting, with additions introduced by the authors, coming from their own vision of the subject, or raised during their exchanges with other specialists. It covers the turbulent regimes observable in rather well controlled laboratory experiments as well as in metal processes where electromagnetic devices are used for different purposes (stirring, pumping, refining, etc). A number of still not-understood points are mentioned and some needs of new efforts are underlined. © 2007 Springer.