A two-dimensional experimental investigation on the sloshing behavior in a water pool

Abstract

Studies on the pool sloshing behavior are important for the improved evaluation of energetic potential of a large whole-core-scale molten fuel pool that might be formed during a Core Disruptive Accident (CDA) of Sodium-cooled Fast Reactors (SFR). Motivated to understand the characteristics of this behavior, in this study a series of simulated experiments was conducted by injecting nitrogen gas into a Two-Dimensional (2D) rectangular water pool through a nozzle positioned at the center of pool bottom. To achieve a comprehensive understanding, experimental parameters, including nitrogen gas pressure (∼4.2 bar), initial water depth (∼60 cm), gas injection duration (0.06–0.1 s) along with the nozzle size (10–50 mm), were varied. Through detailed analyses, it is found that under current range of conditions, all the experimental parameters employed are confirmable to have remarkable impact on the sloshing characteristics (e.g. maximum elevation of water level at the pool center and peripheries). The performed analyses also suggest that possibly due to a diminished residence time of the injected-gas in the pool, a limited sloshing intensity is observable as the gas-injection pressure increases. Evidence and fundamental data from our work will be utilized for the empirical-model development as well as the analyses and verifications of future SFR severe accident analysis codes in China.