Finite element method for solving mhd flow in a rectangular duct

A finite element method is given to obtain the solution in terms of velocity and induced magnetic field for the steady MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) flow through a rectangular pipe having arbitrarily conducting walls. Linear and then quadratic approximations have been taken for both velocity and magnetic field for comparison and it is found that with the quadratic approximation it is possible to increase the conductivity and Hartmann number M ( M ≤ 100). A special solution procedure has been used for the resulting block tridiagonal system of equations. Computations have been carried out for several values of Hartmann number (5 ≤ M ≤ 100) and wall conductivity. It is also found that, if the wall conductivity increases, the flux decreases. The same is the effect of increasing the Hartmann number. Selected graphs are given showing the behaviour of the velocity field and induced magnetic field.