RELAP5/Mod3.3 MHD module development and validation: WCLL-TBM mock-up model

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) phenomena significantly impact the design of magnetic-confinement fusion reactors, particularly in the context of breeding blankets (BB) utilizing liquid metals (LMs) as working fluids. These effects arise from the interaction between the electro-conductive flowing metal and the magnetic field used for plasma confinement in the reactor chamber. Induced electrical currents in the liquid generate Lorentz forces, thereby altering flow behaviour in comparison to standard hydrodynamic conditions. For example, MHD effects modify velocity distribution and mass transport within ducts, amplify pressure losses, and influence heat transfer mechanisms. Accurate estimation of these impacts is crucial for the effective design of a liquid metal breeding blanket. While computational tools are essential for fusion-related physical analyses, no comprehensive MHD code currently exists for simulating all relevant phenomena in a liquid metal blanket. In this context, models predicting both distributed and concentrated MHD pressure drops have been integrated into the thermal-hydraulic system code RELAP5/Mod3.3. The Verification and Validation (V&V) process compares code results to direct numerical simulations and experimental data. For validation, RELAP5 recreates experimental results of a Water Cooled Lithium Lead test blanket module at magnetic field intensities ranging from Ha = 500 to 3000, confirming the reliability of the newly implemented MHD subroutines for predicting pressure drops within this parameter range.