Work

Anisotropic Lorentz force effects on the Marangoni convection in liquid metal systems for fusion applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates Marangoni convection in a liquid metal-filled cubic cavity, relevant to fusion reactor plasma-facing components, using three-dimensional direct numerical simulations with a self-developed magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code. The effects of magnetic field strength (Hartmann number, Ha = 0-200) and orientation (x, y, z directions) are analyzed at a fixed Reynolds number (Re = 100,000). Strong magnetic fields suppress convection, with the x and y directions exhibiting greater suppression than the z direction. Lorentz forces in the x-direction minimally affect surface flow while suppressing core motion, whereas in the y-direction, they significantly reduce surface velocity, leading to an M-shaped velocity profile. In contrast, a z-directional field induces a non-monotonic heat transfer efficiency, enhancing the Nusselt number at low strengths (Ha < 30) by augmenting Hartmann layer flow and suppressing it at higher strengths (Ha = 200) due to flow inhibition. These findings reveal distinct flow structure variations driven by anisotropic Lorentz force effects, providing critical insights for optimizing liquid metal applications in magnetic confinement fusion systems.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-13770-1

Authors: Xu Meng, Long Chen

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Heze University, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows

Subfield: Computational Mechanics

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, Heze University