Dominant modes in hydromagnetic stability of channel flow with porous walls

Abstract

A linear stability analysis of a plane channel flow with porous walls under a uniform cross-flow and an external transverse magnetic field is explored. The physical problem is governed by a system of combined equations of the hydrodynamic and those of Maxwell. The perturbed problem of base state leads to a modified classical Orr-Sommerfeld equation which is solved numerically using the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. The combined effects of the cross-flow Reynolds number and the Hartmann number on the dangerous mode of hydromagnetic stability are investigated.The study shows that, the magnetic field tends to suppress the instability occurred by cross-flow. This stabilizing effect becomes perceptible when the magnetic field produces a mode transition from walls mode to that of the center.