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The effect of a parallel magnetic field on the stability of free boundary-layer type flows of low magnetic Reynolds number
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 March 2006
Abstract
Stability to infinitesimal disturbances, when a parallel magnetic field is imposed, is investigated for the free boundary-layer type flows, of low magnetic Reynolds number, between two unbounded parallel streams of a viscous, incompressible, electrically conducting fluid. Neutral stability curves are calculated for small wave-number making use of the limiting profile: previous results by another author are found to be incomplete. A qualitative neutral stability picture is conjectured for other values of the wave-number and, granted a certain part of this conjecture, the conclusion is that the critical Reynolds number remains zero until the parameter Q/R exceeds the value (Q/R)crit [eDot ] 0·0233. It is suggested that a sufficiently strong magnetic field can stabilize a flow of any finite Reynolds number.
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- © 1969 Cambridge University Press
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