High speed lithium flow experiments for IFMIF target

Lithium flow was tested in a free surface test channel under pressurized or evacuated condition for the IFMIF target. The test channel, with a two-staged contraction nozzle designed after water test, was newly added to the Li loop facility in Osaka. Stable flow was obtained at the velocity of up to 13.8 m/s in 0.15 MPa, and up to 8.5 m/s at medium vacuum condition. In the course of circulation, wakes on free surface were begun to be observed due to small adhesives on the channel wall. These from the nozzle edge are considered to be prevented by keeping the edge clean. Those from the corners of the nozzle and sidewall were also observed. The shape was found to agree well with the theoretical prediction, Wake shape was estimated for IFMIF geometry, and it was indicated that the wakes emerge from the corners will not disturb the presently designed beam region.