Liquid metal fusion reactor systems

The main conceptual designs of liquid metal blanket, methods of pressure drop decrease in the strong magnetic field of the fusion reactor are being discussed. Special features of the flows of electrically conductive fluids in the strong magnetic fields (N≫ M≫ 1) are examined. The approximate limits of the transition to the linear (Stokes) flow in the characteristic elements of the blanket, based on experimental data, are presented. It is noted, that the most promising ways of diminishing pressure losses are: laminated walls and ducts with high aspect ratio. Methods of heat transfer enhancement in the blanket, which make it possibie to decrease thermomechanical stresses and liquid metal flow rate, are discussed. Possibilities of free surface liquid metal flow application for erosion prevention of contact devices and main schemes of flow organization are briefly discussed.