3D MHD lead–lithium liquid metal flow analysis and experiments in a Test-Section of multiple rectangular bends at moderate to high Hartmann numbers

Abstract Experiments with liquid lead–lithium (Pb–Li) were carried out in a stainless steel (SS) Test Section (TS) consisting of multiple 90° bends for various flow rates and applied magnetic fields of up to 4 T. Characteristic MHD flow parameter Hartmann number, Ha ( = B 0 a σ / μ , Ha2 is the ratio of electromagnetic force to viscous force) and interaction parameter, N ( = σ a B 0 2 / ρ U , N is the ratio of electromagnetic force to inertial force) of these experiments were varied from Ha = 515 to 2060 and N = 25 to 270 by changing the applied magnetic field and flow rates respectively. Three dimensional numerical simulations have been carried out using MHD module of FLUENT code. The meas…