Influence Of Magnetic Field In The Control Of Taylor Column Phenomenon In The Translation Of A Sphere In A Rotating Fluid

A numerical investigation has been performed to capture how the magnetic field interferes with Taylor column-a spectacular phenomenon occurring as a result of the Coriolis effect. In this pursuit, at first, we have considered the incompressible flow past a translating sphere in a rotating viscous fluid. This setup allows us to capture the Taylor column in the upstream region at critical values of inverse Rossby number (1/Ro) along with the subsequent formation of a cyclonic vortex in the downstream region as 1/Ro is increased. However, flow separation of any kind is considered to be an undesirable flow feature from industrial perspectives. We found that an application of magnetic field aligned with the motion of the sphere induces Lorentz force into the flow field that suppresses the Taylor column for lower values of 1/Ro, and, it dissolves the cyclonic vortex formed at higher values of 1/Ro. The strength of the Coriolis and Lorentz forces, their mutual interaction, and the value of inverse Rossby number determines the growth and decay of the Taylor column and the cyclonic vortex, thereby, regulating the ultimate nature of the flow. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.