Abstract
Opposing mixed convection heat transfer of lithium-lead in a vertical square channel with heat source of exponential distribution is studied numerically. One of the vertical walls is heated uniformly, i. e. constant heat flux, and other three vertical walls are adiabatic. The range of Reynolds number (Re) analyzed is about from 16000 to 80000. The heat flux discussed here ranges from 0.01MW/m^2 to 0.3MW/m^2. The phenomena of local reverse flows close to the heated wall are observed and the steady recirculation flows are established under certain conditions. The results show that the recirculation flow region depends on Re and heat flux. Under certain Re, the phenomenon of heat transfer deterioration is observed and the corresponding location of heat transfer deterioration is analyzed. The influence of buoyancy parameter on flow structure is discussed in detail. This investigation will contribute to understanding the influence of buoyant effect on thermal hydraulic characteristic of liquid metal lithium lead in the designs of Test Blanket Modules (TBMs).
