Relevance of Low-Rm MHD for Surface Viscosimetry of Liquid Metals

This paper presents a theoretical background which justifies the benefits of MHD using a magnetic field for surface viscosimetry of liquid/melted metals. The system considered is based on an annular shallow-channel layout filled with a melted metal covered by an oxide layer, and pervaded by a uniform static magnetic field. The latter permits to monitor the coupling between surface rheology and a supporting flow due to the well-known 2-D tendency of low-Rm magnetohydrodynamics. The impact of a non-planar interface and/or a non-uniformly oxidized interface can be investigated and the surface viscosity better identified.