Numerical simulation studies on FUJI-1 experiments

Experimental results of the FUJI-1 disk generator have been discussed from the calculated results based on the quasi-one-dimensional model. The calculations have been performed for generators with different channel shape to investigate the effects of the area ratio on power generation performance. The increase of output power at the high load resistance regime with increase of area ratio has been qualitatively shown by calculations, however absolute values of the plasma properties in an MHD channel obtained from the calculations have not been in agreement with experiment values. To clarify the pressure loss mechanism, the influences of the plasma properties on the changes of stagnation pressure have been investigated analytically. It has been found that the strong Lorentz force takes a significant role in the pressure loss processes as compared with wall friction under a strong MHD interaction conditions. Furthermore, it has been suggested that a 100 MW class thermal input generator is required to reduce the stagnation pressure loss by wall friction with high gas velocity and high output power.