Thermal instability in natural convection flow over a rotating convex surface subject to external magnetic field

摘要

This paper presents magnetic effect on the Goertler vortices in natural convection flow over a heated rotating convex surface. The onset position is characterized by the Grashof number, depends on the rotational Reynolds number, the Prandtl number, the Hartmann number, and the wave number. The buoyancy force, the Lorentz force, and the Coriolis force significantly affect the flow structure and heat transfer of the flow. However, centrifugal force has minor stabilizing effect on the flow. Negative rotation and external magnetic field stabilize the convex boundary layer flow. On the contrary, positive destabilizes the flow. The numerical data show agreement with the experimental results in the case of zero rotation. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.