How expensive space-zero-gravity convection experiments can be carried out in terrestrial conditions – magnetic convection of a paramagnetic fluid

Over the last decade or so it has became possible to build high-temperature super-conducting magnets that operate in a laboratory environment. Many new phenomena connected with strong magnetic fields have been reported (e.g. promotion of combustion, magnetic levitation, separation methods for weakly magnetic materials etc.). There are many applications of the use of magnetic force on the Earth. For instance, knowing how to control such a force makes it possible to negate the influence of the gravitational force and study a particular phenomenon as it would occur in the Cosmos, but under terrestrial conditions, avoiding the need for expensive space travel. The use of a magnetic field may also help in many processes such as crystal growth, mixing and material processing. The present work is concerned with magnetic convection of a paramagnetic fluid in a cubical enclosure heated and cooled from the sidewalls. The influence of a 10-T magnetic field on the convection mode of the paramagnetic fluid and the heat transfer rate were investigated numerically and experimentally, and compared with gravitational natural convection. The present study clearly shows that natural convection can be enhanced, and the direction of the convection flow can be changed using a strong magnetic field in terrestrial conditions