Turbulet flow in a model nuclear fuel rod bundle containing partial flow blockages

Technical Report · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10120018· OSTI ID:10120018

Creer, J M; Rowe, D S; Bates, J M; Sutey, A M

Local velocity and turbulence intensity measurements were obtained with a laser Doppler anemometer near flow blockages in an unheated 7 x 7 rod bundle. Sleeve blockages were positioned on the center nine rods to create area reductions of 70 and 90 percent in the center four subchannels of the bundle. Experimental results indicated that severe flow disturbances existed downstream from the blockage clusters and showed that only minor disturbances can be expected upstream from the blockages. Recirculation zones for both 70 and 90 percent blockages were detected downstream from the blockage clusters and persisted for approximately three to five subchannel hydraulic diameters depending on blockage severity. The experimental velocity results obtained with blockage clusters located midway between grid spacers were successfully predicted using the COBRA computer program.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 10120018
• Report Number(s): BNWL-SA--6207; ON: DE95006509
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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