Equilibrium magnetohydrodynamic flows of liquid metals in magnetorotational instability experiments

A theoretical analysis of equilibrium magnetohydrodynamic flows in annular channels is performed from the perspective of establishing required conditions for liquid metal magnetorotational instability (MRI) experiments. Two different types of fluid rotation are considered: electrically driven flow in an annular channel and Taylor-Couette flow between rotating cylinders. The structure of these flows is studied within a unified approach as a function of the Hartmann and Reynolds numbers. The parameters appropriate for realization of MRI experiments are determined.