Induction in a von Karman flow driven by ferromagnetic impellers

We study magnetohydrodynamics in a von K'arm'an flow driven by the rotation of impellers made of material with varying electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. Gallium is the working fluid and magnetic Reynolds numbers of order unity are achieved. We find that specific induction effects arise when the impeller’s electric and magnetic characteristics differ from that of the fluid. Implications in regards to the VKS dynamo are discussed.