Simulation of MHD Effects and Thermal Issues in the DCLL Blanket for ITER

Abstract

Coupling thermo-fluid-structure field are analyzed by use of CFD and FEM. A direct simulation of 3D liquid metal flow in the Dual Coolant Lead Lithium (DCLL) blanket is conducted to study the MHD effects and heat transfer influenced by different material properties of FCI (Flow Channel Insert). A consistent and conservative scheme and PISO method on an unstructured collocated mesh are employed to solve the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with the Lorentz force included based on an electrical Potential formula. The finite element method is employed to study mechanical behavior of FCI. The velocity distribution, MHD pressure drop, current stream lines and temperature distribution of blanket, thermal deformations and thermal stresses in FCI under external magnetic field are investigated. The effects of thickness and electric conductivity of a silicon carbide FCI on temperature field in fluid-structure coupling field, thermal stresses and deformation are analyzed. This work is the theoretical basis of optimizing blanket.