Numerical Simulation of Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Flow in Porous Media

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive numerical study of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow in porous media. The governing equations for incompressible, laminar, steady-state MHD flow in porous media are solved using the finite volume method. The Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model is employed to account for the effects of porosity, permeability, and inertial forces. The magnetic field is assumed to be uniform and applied in the transverse direction to the flow. The effects of various parameters such as the Hartmann number, Darcy number, and Forchheimer number on the flow characteristics and heat transfer are investigated. The numerical results are validated against analytical solutions and experimental data available in the literature. The study reveals that increasing the Hartmann number leads to a reduction in the velocity and an increase in the temperature, while increasing the Darcy and Forchheimer numbers have the opposite effect. The local Nusselt number is found to decrease with an increase in the Hartmann number and increase with an increase in the Darcy and Forchheimer numbers. The present study provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between the magnetic field, porous medium, and fluid flow, which can be useful in the design and optimization of various industrial and engineering applications involving MHD flow in porous media.