Study and Analysis of Metal Coolant Thermophysical Properties

Abstract

The article chooses Na, LiPb and LBE three kinds of metal coolant, and makes a comparative analysis of the thermophysical properties of Na, LiPb and LBE when they are at liquid state. The results show that Na has the lowest density and the largest thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. There is a small difference between LBE and LiPb in terms of density, thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. LiPb has the largest kinematic viscosity. The thermal conductivity of Na decreases as temperature rises, which is opposite of LBE and LiPb. The kinematic viscosity of LiPb increases as temperature rises. Considering thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, LBE and LiPb are not the best coolant. However, their high densities can economize equipments and materials at the same time. When it flows, LiPb’s heat transfer capacity gets larger as temperature rises, this character can not be ignored in fusion reactor.