3D computational investigation of vertical magnetic field effect on heat transfer and 83Pb-17Li flow

Z. Tigrine^{1, 2} - F. Mokhtari^{1, 3} - A. Bouabdallah¹

¹ LTSE Laboratory, Faculty of Physics, University of Science and Technology USTHB, BP 32 El-Alia,16111 Bab-Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
² Unite de Developpement des Equipements Solaires, UDES/Centre de Developpement des Energies Renouvelables, CDER, Bou-Ismail 42415, W.Tipaza, Algeria
³ Mouloud Mammeri University, Tizi Ouzou, Algeria

Abstract
The main goal of this work is to investigate numerically the MHD flow and heat transfer in an insulating duct with parallelepiped walls with a moderate Reynolds number under specific temperatures at the walls. A numerical method based on the finite volume method is employed in simulations. The magnetic field effect on an eutectic 83Pb-17Li flow, heat and momentum transfer is studied for small and moderate values of the magnetic field strength. As a result, the pressure drop increases significantly under the MHD effects. The pressure gradient decreases near the walls in the direction parallel to the magnetic field. Perpendicularly to the magnetic field, the pressure gradient increases. The Lorentz force alters strongly the LiPb flow in the fluid bulk, whereas it decreases the boundary layer thickness close to Hartmann walls. The heat transfer is weakly improved under the MHD effect. Tables 1, Figs 9, Refs 28.