A Liquid Metal Flume for Free Surface Magnetohydrodynamic Experiments
We present an experiment designed to study magnetohydrodynamic effects in free-surface channel flow. The wide aspect ratio channel (the width to height ratio is about 15) is completely enclosed in an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidization of the liquid metal. A custom-designed pump reduces entrainment of oxygen, which was found to be a problem with standard centrifugal and gear pumps. Laser Doppler Velocimetry experiments characterize velocity profiles of the flow. Various flow constraints mitigate secondary circulation and end effects on the flow. Measurements of the wave propagation characteristics in the liquid metal demonstrate the surfactant effect of surface oxides and the damping of fluctuations by a cross-channel magnetic field.
- Research Organization:
- Princeton Plasma Physics Lab. (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-ACO2-76CHO3073
- OSTI ID:
- 938980
- Report Number(s):
- PPPL-4345; TRN: US0806217
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Review of Scientific Instruments (June 2008)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Magnetohydrodynamics and Heat Transfer in a Free-Surface, Flowing Liquid Metal Experiment
Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements in a Wire-Wrapped 61-Pin Hexagonal Fuel Bundle