Development and preliminary validation of a Nek5000-based magnetohydrodynamics solver for fusion blanket relevant liquid metal and molten salt flows

Modern magnetically confined fusion reactor designs depend heavily on the efficient operation of breeding blankets, where magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) plays a central role in shaping coolant dynamics and performance. Accurate simulations are critical to understanding the interplay of fluid flow, electromagnetic forces, and heat transfer in these complex systems, enabling the refinement of geometries and material choices. This study focuses on the application of the open-source computational fluid dynamics software Nek5000 to simulate MHD effects in fusion blanket configurations spanning rectangular ducts, circular pipes, and channels with varying cross sections. Leveraging the spectral element method, we present high-fidelity results for laminar and turbulent flow regimes under realistic blanket operating conditions. The findings highlight the importance of resolving multiscale phenomena in these environments both numerically and computationally, providing valuable insights to guide the development of robust blanket technologies suited to next-generation fusion reactors.