Pattern of multiphase magnetohydrodynamic jet driven by Lorentz force

The Lorentz force generated by perpendicularly placed magnetic field and electric field displacing conductive saltwater, chemically produced gases (oxygen and hydrogen) and solid precipitates (aluminium hydroxide) by the associated reaction forms typical three-phase MHD jet flows. Taking advantage of the bright gases, the emergence of jet flow is studied by the bubbly flow. Based on the control parameters, such as magnetic field strength, input current strength, geometry of the experimental apparatus, and fluid properties, a Lorentz-force based Reynolds number Re_L is proposed to categorize the flow regime from laminar to turbulence. For jets of lower Re_L, the hydrogen/saltwater interface appears apparently more unstable, because of lighter molecular weight and more chemically produced amount, such that typical Kelvin-Helmholtz instability is observed. The distinct behaviors of oxygen and hydrogen is indistinguishable for sufficiently high Re_L due to strong dispersive mixing. Turbulent jet flow evolves once the Re_L exceeds critical value. Appropriateness of the Re_L is verified both by experiments associated with varied control parameters, corresponding numerical simulation and relevant quantitative measures.