Linear Stability Analysis of Pulsatile Quasi-Two-Dimensional Duct Flows under a Transverse Magnetic Field

Abstract

The linear stability of time periodic pulsatile flows under a transverse magnetic field is investigated over a wide range of frequencies. The interplay between variations in frequency and the magnetic field are observed with small amplitude oscillations of the driving force, which can stabilize or destabilize. The complexity rapidly increases with increasing amplitude. High magnetic field strengths are strongly stabilizing, but optimised pulsation amplitudes and frequencies still induce large destabilizations (a 90.3% reduction in critical Reynolds number).