Numerical Prediction of Magnetorotational Instability in Magnetized Taylor-Couette Flow with Conducting Endcaps

Simulations of the Princeton Magnetorotational Instability (MRI) experiment with conducting axial boundaries using the SFEMaNS code have numerically established MRI unstable region in the operating parameter space of rotation speed and external axial magnetic field. Effects of MRI can be seen both through an increase of the radial magnetic field and through the formation of a radially-inward jet at the mid-plane. The generation of radial magnetic field is currently being investigated experimentally using Hall sensors on the inner and outer cylinder of the Taylor-Couette device in which the experiment is conducted. These measurements can be directly compared to the simulation results.