A simple description of flow instability with application to a packed bed
A simplified explanation for gas flow instability in parallel heated channels is presented with specific applications to channels containing packed beds of power-producing particles. The explanation captures the basic governing physics of the viscosity-driven instability and hopefully removes some of the misconceptions surrounding this issue. Simple illustrative calculations, steady-state and transient, using the SAFSIM computer program are included in the explanation. The explanation points out that flow instability is common to any and all gas flow systems with parallel heated channels, that the addition of flow resistance to the entrance of a channel mitigates flow instability, and that instabilities do not occur instantaneously.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Department of Defense, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 10178426
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--93-1263C; CONF-930103--43; ON: DE93017492
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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210600
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NESDPS Office of Nuclear Energy Space and Defense Power Systems
PACKED BEDS
PIPES
POWER REACTORS, MOBILE, PROPULSION, PACKAGE, AND TRANSPORTABLE
REACTOR COOLING SYSTEMS
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TURBULENT FLOW