Performance Optimization of High Hartmann Number Magnetohydrodynamics Analysis Using OpenFOAM Code

Accurate magnetohydrodynamic modeling of liquid metal flows is essential for developing proposed fusion technologies such as breeding blankets and protective liquid lithium layers for divertors. For that purpose, a new code [1] was developed using the OpenFOAM C++ library. Existing codes allowing MHD analysis at high Hartmann numbers require a very large number of iterations to converge. In this work, an attempt to accelerate convergence of the OpenFoam code is presented. Flows at high Hartmann numbers are simulated using time step preconditioning to achieve semi-implicit treatment of the Lorentz force source term. Results show expedited convergence times while maintaining expected accuracy within flow profiles.

[1] Mas de les Valls (2011) PhD Thesis Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya