HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT POSSIBILITIES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR LIQUID METAL BLANKET DESIGN.

The first direct measurements of the effect of magnetic field and enhanced anisotropic turbulence on the heat transfer in liquid-metal flow channels are described. It is found that, contrary to the common notion, the magnetic field can significantly increase the Nusselt number in flow channels with nonconducting walls. More unexpectedly, preliminary measurements indicate that the magnetic field can similarly increase the Nusselt number in flow channels made of conducting walls. Moreover, no external means are needed for exciting turbulent flow in such channels. It is suggested that the enhanced heat transfer could significantly improve the design and performance of self-cooled liquid-metal blankets for fusion reactors.