Electromagnetic control of flow around bodies

The flow around bodies (cylinder, plate) can be controlled by applying
electromagnetic forces originating from electrodes and permanent magnets
suitably placed on the surface of the body. There is a large variety for
applying those forces with respect to the geometrical arrangement and the
electrical current feeding the electrodes. The goals of this approach are
flow stabilization, drag reduction or manoeuvrability of the body in an
electrically low-conducting fluid like seawater.

Experimental and numerical results of our research programme will be
presented. Experiments were performed using a copper sulfate electrolytic
solution, a sodium hydroxide loop and large saltwater channels available at
a shipbuilding research center in Hamburg. A strong flow control has been
confirmed. The energetic limitations of the approach will be discussed