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Analysis of the secondary flow effect on turbulent flow in nuclear fuel bundles

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA)
OSTI ID:6024355

It is important in nuclear fuel bundles to predict the exact velocity profile of the fluid, which allows the accurate calculation of the fuel temperature field. It may be very difficult, however, to analyze the flow phenomena due to the complex turbulent mechanism in such a closely packed geometry, where the secondary flow is also active. The name secondary flow is used for a time-mean motion conceived to be superposed on or embedded in a basic or primary flow and enhances the heat transfer in a subchannel. In this study, the secondary flow in infinite triangular arrays of parallel rods has been analyzed by a single-equation turbulent model for various Reynolds numbers and the pitch-to-diameter (P/D) ratio. The governing equations were for the two-dimensional, steady-state, and axially fully developed turbulent flow of an incompressible fluid with constant properties. Conclusively, the more precise turbulence model, including the secondary flow and anisotropic eddy viscosity, can be recommended to be used to obtain the accurate velocity profile and thus the temperature field, which is important in nuclear reactor safety analysis.

OSTI ID:
6024355
Report Number(s):
CONF-900608--
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA) Vol. 61; ISSN TANSA; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English