Computational magnetohydrodynamics codes for the development of liquid metal breeding blankets in magnetic fusion reactors

Liquid metal (LM) system and components are investigated in nuclear fusion R&D programmes worldwide for near-term implementation in technological demonstrators. Unique challenges are posed to the development of this technology in magnetic fusion reactors due to the onset of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects. The role of numerical tools for the prediction of LM MHD flows is discussed and so its impact in the development of breeding blanket concepts. Results achieved with computational fluid dynamics and system thermal-hydraulic codes at Sapienza University of Rome are described.