Biomagnetic channel flow in spatially varying magnetic field

In this work the fundamental problem of the biomagnetic fluid flow in a channel under the influence of an applied magnetic field is studied. It is assumed that the magnetization M of the fluid is varying linearly with temperature T and magnetic field intensity H. For the numerical solution of the problem, which is described by a coupled and non-linear system of PDEs, with their appropriate boundary conditions, the stream function-vorticity formulation is adopted. The solution of the problem is obtained developing an efficient numerical technique based on finite differences. This technique assures that in the algebraic system arising after discretization, the matrix of the unknowns is diagonally dominant. Results concerning the velocity and temperature field, skin friction and rate of heat transfer indicate that the presence of magnetic field appreciable influence the flow field. A vortex is arising near the lower plate below of which the magnetic source is placed. The temperature, as well as the skin friction and the rate of heat transfer are increasing in the same area. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.