Performance Optimization of High Hartmann Number Magnetohydrodynamics Analysis Using OpenFOAM Code

POSTER

Abstract

Accurate magnetohydrodynamic modeling of liquid metal flows is essential for developing proposed fusion technologies such as breeding blankets and protective liquid lithium layers for divertors. For that purpose, a new code [1] was developed using the OpenFOAM C++ library. Existing codes allowing MHD analysis at high Hartmann numbers require a very large number of iterations to converge. In this work, an attempt to accelerate convergence of the OpenFoam code is presented. Flows at high Hartmann numbers are simulated using time step preconditioning to achieve semi-implicit treatment of the Lorentz force source term. Results show expedited convergence times while maintaining expected accuracy within flow profiles.

[1] Mas de les Valls (2011) PhD Thesis Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

*This work was made possible by funding from the Department of Energy for the Summer Undergraduate Engineering Internship and the Summer Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) programs. This work is supported by the US DOE Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466.

Presenters

  • Griffin Kowash

    • Humboldt State University

Authors

  • Vincent Galvan

    • University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Griffin Kowash

    • Humboldt State University

  • Isabella Marshall

    • Rowan University

  • Andrei Khodak

    • Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
    • Princeton University

  • Daniel Suarez Cambra

    • Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya
    • Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya