Practical Simulations of Two-Phase Flows with Wall Effects

72766S03-I An advanced computational environment to simulate three-dimensional, unsteady, incompressible magnetohydrodynamic ( MHD) flows with free surfaces, as found in fusion devices, is under development. This project will add a suite of features to this code to provide realistic computations of liquid metal MHD flows past walls of different electrical conductivity and arbitrary thickness. The same technology also will enable the computation of conjugate heat transfer, required for nuclear fusion as well as metallurgical research. An array of models, ranging from thin conducting walls to walls of arbitrary thickness and different conductivities, either enclosed by fluid media or with external surfaces, will be developed. Phase I will begin with the solution of simplified Maxwell equations (using the induction-less approach) in walls of arbitrary conductivity. Heat transfer effects will be added, and the computation will be demonstrated for sample single- and two-phase channel flow problems with MHD. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The computational enhancements should address wall effect issues that are becoming progressively more important in practical power generation from nuclear fusion. In addition, the code should find use within the metallurgical community for MHD-enhanced steel and aluminum processing. The conjugate heat transfer feature also should have application in aerospace markets.