Numerical simulation of two-fluid magnetohydrodynamic flows in channels with deformities

The study of liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows is of significant interest, especially in the test blanket module of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The situation involves the flow of lead-lithium eutectic fluid in the presence of a strong magnetic fluid. Especially important are accident scenarios which involve the possible ingress of gaseous helium into the liquid metal flow. In our previous work (Unni et al., 2018) numerical investigation involving two fluids of different viscosities and electrical conductivities was presented. In the present study, two-dimensional numerical investigations are carried out for MHD flows in channels with possible deformities at various operating conditions. The deformities are modelled as rectangular cavities or protrusions with different aspect ratios. We use the coupled Navier-Stokes, energy and Maxwell’s equations to specifically look at the heat transfer characteristics and the effect of magnetic fields on the rate of heat transfer. The relation of the local Nusselt’s number with the Hartmann number in different flow configurations is also presented. This work is among the first numerical efforts to investigate MHD flows and the heat transfer characteristics associated with non-smooth channels.