Data Collection Methods for Validation of Advanced Multi-Resolution Fast Reactor Simulations

Abstract

In pool-type Sodium Fast Reactors (SFR) the regions most susceptible to thermal striping are the upper instrumentation structure (UIS) and the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX). This project experimentally and computationally (CFD) investigated the thermal mixing in the region exiting the reactor core to the UIS. The thermal mixing phenomenon was simulated using two vertical jets at different velocities and temperatures as prototypic of two adjacent channels out of the core. Thermal jet mixing of anticipated flows at different temperatures and velocities were investigated. Velocity profiles are measured throughout the flow region using Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDV), and temperatures along the geometric centerline between the jets were recorded using a thermocouple array. CFD simulations, using COMSOL, were used to initially understand the flow, then to design the experimental apparatus and finally to compare simulation results and measurements characterizing the flows.

Simulations of Twin Turbulent Planar-Like Jets Injected Into a Large Volume Using RANS

“…The twin jet water facility was designed to investigate and test hydrodynamic and heat transfer instrumentation (ultrasonic velocimetry, thermocouple rakes, and thermal imaging cameras) for use in opaque fluids for advanced reactors such as sodium fast reactors [22]. It was built by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [3], for initial testing of the previously mentioned instrumentation and usage in CFD validation efforts.…”