The laminar flow in a hydrostatic pocket is described by a mathematical model that uses the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations written in terms of the primary variables, u, v, w, and p. Using a conservative formulation, a finite volume multiblock method is applied through a collocated, body fitted grid. The flow is simulated in a shallow pocket with a depth/length ratio of 0.02. The flow structures obtained and described by the authors in their previous two dimensional models are made visible in their three dimensional aspect for both the Couette, and the jet dominated flows. It has been found that both flow regimes formed central and secondary vortical cells with three dimensional corkscrew-like structures that lead the fluid on an outward bound path in the axial direction of the pocket. In the Couette dominated flow the position of the central vortical cell center is at the exit region of the capillary restrictor feedline, while in the jet dominated flow a flattened central vortical cell is formed in the downstream part of the pocket. It has also been determined that a fluid turn around zone occupies all the upstream space between the floor of the pocket and the runner, thus preventing any flow exit through the upstream exit of the pocket. The corresponding pressure distribution under the shaft for both flow regimes is presented as well. It was clearly established that both for the Couette, and the jet dominated cases the pressure varies significantly in the pocket in the circumferential direction, while its variation is less pronounced axially.

The paper treats on a comparative basis the development of the flow and pressure maps in deep, and respectively, shallow hydrostatic bearing pockets. The numerical simulation uses a dimensionless formulation of the Navier-Stokes equations written for a body fitted coordinates system, and applied through a collocated grid. The present work is a continuation of the simulations performed by Braun et al. (1993, 1994a, 1994b) to cases where the length and diameter of the restrictor feedline is of consequence to the flow in both the shallow and the deep pocket. The model includes the coupling between the pocket flow and a finite length feedline flow, on one hand, and the pocket and the adjacent lands on the other hand. Geometrically, all pockets have the same projected footprint, lands length, and capillary feedline. This numerical study uses the Reynolds number Re based on the runner velocity (laminar range only), and the inlet jet strength F as the dynamic similarity parameters, while the dimensionless clearance C is used as a geometric parameter. The flow structures, and the physical reasons underlying the causes of the pressure variation inside the deep and shallow pockets [either longitudinally (radially) or transversally (circum-ferentially)], are discussed quantitatively and comparatively. It is further shown that the transversal pressure distributions under the runner are highly dependent on whether the flow is dominated by the rotation of the runner (hydrodynamic effects), or by the strength of the hydrostatic jet (F). Finally the longitudinal pressure curves in the depth of the pocket, and restrictor are presented and the nature of their variation discussed. The back step and Rayleigh step effects are also discussed on a comparative basis for the two types of pockets, and in conjunction with the Couette, and the jet dominated flow. The modification of the central vortical zones of the deep pockets into oblong vortical zones for the shallow pockets is presented, and its consequences are discussed.

An Italian MSE R&D programme on Nuclear Fission is funding, through ENEA, the design and testing of SPES3 facility at SIET, for IRIS reactor simulation. IRIS is a modular, medium size, advanced, integral PWR, developed by an international consortium of utilities, industries, research centres and universities. SPES3 simulates the primary, secondary and containment systems of IRIS, with 1:100 volume scale, full elevation and prototypical thermal-hydraulic conditions. The RELAP5 code was extensively used in support to the design of the facility to identify criticalities and weak points in the reactor simulation. FER, at Zagreb University, performed the IRIS reactor analyses with the RELAP5 and GOTHIC coupled codes. The comparison between IRIS and SPES3 simulation results led to a simulation-design feedback process with step-by-step modifications of the facility design, up to the final configuration. For this, a series of sensitivity cases was run to investigate specific aspects affecting the trend of the main parameters of the plant, as the containment pressure and EHRS removed power, to limit fuel clad temperature excursions during accidental transients. This paper summarizes the sensitivity analyses on the containment system that allowed to review the SPES3 facility design and confirm its capability to appropriately simulate the IRIS plant.

IRIS is an advanced integral pressurized water reactor, developed by an international consortium led by Westinghouse. The licensing process requires the execution of integral and separate effect tests on a properly scaled reactor simulator for reactor concept, safety system verification, and code assessment. Within the framework of an Italian R&D program on Nuclear Fission, managed by ENEA and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, the SPES3 facility is under design and will be built and operated at SIET laboratories. SPES3 simulates the primary, secondary, and containment systems of IRIS with 1 : 100 volume scale, full elevation, and prototypical thermal-hydraulic conditions. The simulation of the facility with the RELAP5 code and the execution of the tests will provide a reliable tool for data extrapolation and safety analyses of the final IRIS design. This paper summarises the main design steps of the SPES3 integral test facility, underlying choices and phases that lead to the final design.

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