A stability criterion for an infinitely long Hall-Héroult cell (Q1919940)

We study the stability of a Hall-Héroult cell which is assumed to be infinitely long. The modelling leans on the magnetohydrodynamic theory for incompressible fluids. The presence of longitudinal electrical current inside the cell is taken into account. The modelling is obtained through a linearization of Navier-Stokes and Maxwell equations around a stationary solution. The problem so defined is solved with a method related to the conservation of the energy flux. It allows in particular to establish a stability criterion related to the intensity of the longitudinal electrical currents. Peculiar features of possible unstable modes are obtained analytically. Numerical results confirm the existence of such unstable modes.