A simplified finite element model for fully developed axial turbulent flow in rod bundles
A simplified computational scheme that can be efficiently applied to predict fully developed axial flow in rod bundle subchannels is presented and compared with experimental results for different flow conditions. Galerkin's finite element method and the physical model of turbulence proposed by Roco and Zarea (1978) are used in this approach. The flow in the corner, wall, and central subchannels for both triangular and square rod bundles is investigated. Different values of the subchannel pitch-to-diameter ratio and various Reynolds numbers are considered. In all these cases, the present computational scheme gives the correct qualitative trends for the distributions of the axial velocity and wall shear stress. The comparison performed with current measurements in the subchannels of a 3 x 6 rectangular rod bundle and with other available experimental and analytical results taken from the literature shows good agreement.
- Research Organization:
- University of Kentucky, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lexington, Kentucky 40506
- OSTI ID:
- 6861869
- Journal Information:
- Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Nucl. Sci. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 85:1; ISSN NSENA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220300* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Fuel Elements
AXIAL SYMMETRY
FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
FLOW MODELS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FUEL ELEMENTS
FUEL RODS
HYDRAULICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
REACTOR COMPONENTS
REYNOLDS NUMBER
ROD BUNDLES
SYMMETRY
TURBULENT FLOW