Free surface flow and heat transfer characteristics of liquid metal Galinstan at low flow velocity

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Abstract

An effective method of obtaining a stable free surface flow with liquid metals is very important in terms of ensuring reliability of nuclear fusion devices. In this work, a miniature experimental apparatus was built and the characteristics of liquid-metal free surface flow and laminar convective heat transfer on different surface structures were experimentally investigated. The results show that, within a certain velocity range, Galinstan can flow in the form of an even liquid film on an acid-pickled stainless-steel surface. As the Galinstan flow rate increases, the convective heat transfer coefficient increases. Finally, a heat transfer correlation of free surface flow was proposed for the liquid-metal Galinstan.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)240-248
Number of pages9
JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science
Volume82
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Flow
  • Free surface
  • Galinstan
  • Heat transfer
  • Liquid metal
  • Visualization

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