Speaker
Description
Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow, arising from the interaction between electric currents and magnetic fields in conducting fluids, plays a central role in applications ranging from astrophysical plasmas to industrial liquid-metal processing. However, direct classroom demonstrations of MHD phenomena are often limited by the need for high currents or specialized equipment. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost, table-top demonstration of MHD flow using an aqueous electrolyte (NaCl solution), a permanent magnet, and a low-voltage DC power supply. The experimental setup generates a steady Lorentz force through the interaction of an applied electric field and a transverse magnetic field, producing measurable fluid motion consistent with the classical Hartmann flow configuration. A first-principles model based on the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with Ohm’s law for a moving conductor is developed, including both symmetric no-slip and asymmetric free-surface boundary conditions relevant to the experiment. The resulting velocity profiles and scaling laws are compared with observed preliminary data of flow speeds obtained using tracer particles. The demonstration offers an accessible platform for visualizing MHD effects and connecting theory with experiment in undergraduate laboratories.
