Spatial evolution of electrically conducting submerged jet flow is studied by numerical simulations for the case of a transverse uniform magnetic field. This situation occurs frequently in metallurgical industry where permanent magnetic fields are applied to control the liquid metal jets. We investigate through numerical simulations the flow characteristics for Reynolds $(\mathrm{Re}<4500)$ and for moderate interaction numbers ($N$ < 0.1). The results show the occurrence of far more complex phenomena than the expected magnetohydrodynamics damping effect, in agreement with many of the theoretical predictions made by Davidson [J. Fluid Mech. 299, 153 (2001)]. The Lorentz force indeed acts against the flow within the main jet; however, it simultaneously accelerates the flow in adjacent quiescent regions. It results in a momentum redistribution in the form of a jet flattening in the direction of the applied magnetic field. Adjacent to the main jet, two strong reverse jets develop. The closure of induced currents is found to be responsible for these effects. While small-scale turbulent fluctuations are indeed suppressed, large coherent vortices aligned with the magnetic field develop within the shear region at the boundary between the main jet and the adjacent reverse jets.

• Received 22 June 2021
• Accepted 18 October 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.6.123701