Experimental Validation of Magnetohydrodynamic Force Affected Turbulent Seawater Boundary Layer Computational Fluid Dynamics Modelling

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of turbulent seawater boundary layers affected by a streamwise magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) body force are performed and validated using previously published experimental results. MHD devices pose as an effective solution for various seawater applications, primarily due to their lack of moving parts. However, the complexity and cost of the electromagnetic technologies within them makes developing and implementing MHD systems challenging. Additionally, the complex electromagnetic and hydrodynamic interactions make using simulation aids effectively more difficult. While MHD experimental and simulation literature exists, little has been done to validate CFD models for seawater flows with experimental data. CFD results are presented for steady-state turbulent seawater flow over a flat plate containing an array of MHD magnets and electrodes. Through the favorable comparison of boundary layer profiles, turbulence intensities, wall shear stresses, and electromagnetic fields between experimental and simulated results, the numerical MHD CFD models are validated. Due to the improved confidence in the simulation models, they can function as a more effective tool in the development and implementation of future MHD seawater systems.