Numerical simulations of 3D magnetohydrodynamic flows in dual-coolant lead lithium blankets

Highlights: • Numerical results of three dimensional MHD investigations in a DCLL blanket. • MHD flow behavior becomes inertialess. • Bends and U-turn do not create large additional pressure drops. • Pressure drop in blanket ducts resembles fully developed laminar duct flow. -- Abstract: In the dual coolant lead lithium blanket (DCLL) the liquid metal PbLi is used as coolant to remove the volumetrically generated heat. This requires higher flow velocities than in separately cooled blanket concepts, where the liquid metal serves exclusively as breeder, neutron multiplier and shield against high neutron radiation. The relatively fast movement of the electrically conducting fluid in the strong magnetic field confining the fusion plasma induces electric currents, which are responsible for strong Lorentz forces, high magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure drop, and substantial modifications of velocity profiles compared with hydrodynamic flows. In order to support the design activities of a DCLL blanket, 3D numerical MHD simulations for one column of such a blanket module have been performed. The simulations take into account, that currents may close along the inner conducting sheet of sandwich-type flow channel inserts that are foreseen for pressure drop reduction. The applied numerical code has been carefully validated. It applies for magnetic fields of arbitrary orientation and is capable of simulating the liquid metal MHD flow in the blanket in the parameter range relevant for fusion applications.