Work

Have we been using the wrong Hartmann number? Fixing fundamental errors in MHD Jeffery–Hamel flow

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In recent years there has been significant interest in understanding magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Jeffery–Hamel problems involving two-dimensional flow. Such dynamics involve an incompressible, conducting, viscous fluid flowing between two inclined planar walls, forming a converging or diverging channel. In reading the associated literature, we discovered a repeated issue with the reported form of the Hartmann number, linked with a frequent inconsistency in the form of the ordinary differential equation under consideration. The purpose of this note is to bring this fundamental error to light and to suggest some corrections.

Source: Examples and Counterexamples

DOI: 10.1016/j.exco.2026.100235

Authors: Lik Kan Nicholas Lo, Christopher C. Tisdell

Institutions: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Fluid dynamics and aerodynamics studies

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $420

Funder: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology