Discretization of Lorentz Force Term

Abstract

This article investigates three discretization methods (C1 method, C2 method, and CIM) for the Lorentz force term from the viewpoint of accuracy in magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow calculation. The three methods are tested against a fully developed two-dimensional laminar channel flow within a uniform magnetic field having an analytic solution. The results show that the CIM is in good agreement with the analytic solution in the Hartman number range considered (Ha = 0–1,000), whereas the C1 and C2 methods produce numerical errors, which are greatly increased as the Hartman number increases.