Numerical analysis of dual-flow fields in Mini-TBM for Chinese LiPb experimental loop Dragon-IV

It is difficult to measure the detailed dual-flow fields of liquid metal lithium lead (LiPb) and helium gas in Mini-Test Blanket Module (TBM). Three dimensions numerical analysis of the LiPb and helium gas flow and heat transfer in Mini-TBM therefore has been curried out using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) code FLUENT. The detailed dual-flow fields, which include temperature, velocity, pressure and heat transfer of liquid LiPb and helium gas, are presented to support for the test of Mini-TBM, and to supply more robust database and make a significant joint contribution to the future TBM testing in EAST and ITER, and also optimize and improve the design of Dual Function Lithium Lead TBM (DFLL-TBM) system for ITER.

► We simulate the flow and heat transfer between helium gas and liquid lithium lead in Mini-TBM.
► Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations in combination with Shear-Stress Transport k − ω turbulence model is used.
► The temperature, velocity, pressure and heat transfer of dual-flow fields are presented.
► supply more robust database and make a significant joint contribution to the future TBM testing in EAST and ITER.