Physical modelling of the motion of a liquid metal melt along the surface of a heated rod

Abstract

The investigation of the melt flow of a liquid metal along the surface of a heated rod is carried up. In the experiments, the metal from the upper volume was drained over the surface of a quartz tube, heated from the inside. This pipe is used to simulate a fuel column. A high-speed video of the process was produced. Data are obtained on the features of the flow of a metal melt. The stages of formation of droplets are shown. The data on the shape and velocity of the droplet movement are given. It is shown that in the air atmosphere around the test section when the first drop passes on the surface of quartz, a trace is formed, along which the metal moves in the future. Direct and curvilinear rivulet flows on the rod's surface are also observed.