The dynamic contact angle of liquid metal under magnetic field

Using the capillary method, the present study experimentally investigated the dynamic contact angle of the GaInSn alloy in the capillary tube considering the influence of tube diameter, capillary number, intensity, and the direction of magnetic fields. This study revealed that the application of a magnetic field significantly influences the dynamic contact angle of GaInSn, resulting in an increase in both the advancing and receding contact angles, while simultaneously reducing the contact angle hysteresis. Moreover, the fitting relationships between the advancing contact angle, the receding contact angle, the contact angle hysteresis, and the capillary number Ca were obtained. Using the capillary flow theory, the mechanism of action of the magnetic field has been analyzed. These fundamental findings are important for applying liquid metal in divertor within fusion reactors, providing a theoretical basis for the engineering design.