Steady-state, whole-core prismatic VHTR simulation including core bypass

W. D. Pointer, J. W. Thomas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The neutron transport code DeCART and the commercial CFD code STAR-CD are being integrated into the SHARP reactor analysis toolkit to enable the extension of it's capabilities to high-fidelity analysis of prismatic VHTR cores. The studies described herein provide a preliminary evaluation of the applicability of RANS-based CFD methods to the prediction of fluid flow and heat transfer within a large symmetric region of a VHTR core. Simulations considering a single flow channel define mesh density requirements and quantify impacts of detailed geometric details on turbulent flow development. Simulations of a single column of blocks identify the need for detailed power distributions and for including the bypass flow between columns of blocks in full core simulations. While additional development of the meshing strategy and tools is needed, a coarse mesh simulation of a 116th segment of a VHTR core with bypass flow provides a preliminary demonstration of applicability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2010, ICAPP 2010
Pages317-326
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2010, ICAPP 2010 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 13 2010Jun 17 2010

Publication series

NameInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2010, ICAPP 2010
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceInternational Congress on Advances in Nuclear Power Plants 2010, ICAPP 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period06/13/1006/17/10

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