DefinePK

Abstract

Combined Attitude and Thermal Control System (CATCS) was proposed for the implementation of an integrated solution for the satellite thermal and attitude control. This paper focuses on the CATCS numerical simulation of the Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) driven flow of liquid metal within its channel. The numerical solution to the core mean velocity of liquid flowing through CATCS duct is obtained through the coupling of electric and magnetic fields towards an integrated solution in describing the MHD flow. The conventional Navier-Stokes equation is modified using Reynolds Averaging, yielding Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation to solve the respective flow profile. Additional constraint is placed upon the flow in consideration of Hartmann layer effects. Simulation is also performed based on the variation of injected magnetic flux densities and induced thermoelectric currents to yield for different magnitudes of Lorentz forces that drive the liquid. Results show that the core mean velocity is mainly governed by the injected currents; whereas the flow profile shape is governed mainly by the magnetic fields.