An analytical prediction on the pump-induced pressure pulsation in a pressurized water reactor

Abstract

Pump-induced pressure pulsation in the reactor vessel annulus and inlet pipe of a pressurized water reactor is analyzed. Two systems of the inlet pipe and annulus are coupled, and a new intermediate boundary condition adopting impedance concept is imposed at the bottom of annulus. The pump forcings for each frequency are obtained using the measured pump discharge pressures. The open boundary condition at the bottom of annulus is found to be appropriate. An analytical solution for pressure distributions is obtained and found to be in good agreement with the measurements.