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An experimental correlation of cross-flow pressure drop for triangular array wire-wrapped rod assemblies

Journal Article · · Nucl. Technol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5012263

An experimental study was carried out to quantitatively estimate the lateral drag changes due to flow structure alteration caused by the presence of wirewrap spacers in liquid-metal fast breeder reactor rod assemblies. Specially designed test rod bundles were constructed employing vertical straight wires attached at various angles around the rods relative to the cross-flow direction. These bundles simulate the cross-flow pressure drop within a control volume with axial mesh size less than one-twelfth of wire-wrap lead length. The variables examined were wire angular positions, Reynolds number, and rod arrangements. The transverse pressure drop data for triangular-array rod bundles with wires have been correlated throughout the laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The correlation is in the form of a correction parameter to be applied to the friction factor-Reynolds number relationship for the corresponding bare rod bundle.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nuclear Engineering, 77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA (US)
OSTI ID:
5012263
Journal Information:
Nucl. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 76:2; ISSN NUTYB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English