In magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) channel flows, electromagnetic body force
s may create significant secondary flows with resultant effects on axi
al velocity and turbulence distributions, electrical conductivity, bou
ndary-layer voltage drops, electrode temperatures, and wall heat trans
fer. An investigation of the influence of electromagnetic interaction
parameter, and channel electrical configuration on the magnitude and s
tructure of MHD secondary flow is reported. Two electrode configuratio
ns were utilized. The first was a simulated Hall generator configurati
on in which an axial current was driven through the plasma. In this co
nfiguration, a two-cell secondary flow pattern with peak transverse ve
locities of approximately 13% of the freestream axial velocity was obs
erved. The secondary flow was initially a sensitive function of electr
omagnetic interaction level, but became insensitive at high interactio
n levels. For all interaction levels, the secondary flow was concentra
ted in the upper two-thirds of the channel cross section. The second c
onfiguration was a simulated segmented Faraday channel in which transv
erse currents were driven through the plasma. A two-cell secondary flo
w structure was again observed, whereas a first-order model for an inf
initely finely segmented channel would predict a six-cell structure. C
urrent streamline curvature due to finite electrode segmentation may e
xplain this discrepancy.