An Introduction of Computational Fluid Dynamics Methods and Frameworks

Abstract

The theoretical fluid dynamics code is used to model the primary natural circulation loop of the proposed small modular reactor for reference to experimental evidence and best-estimated thermal-hydraulic code performance. Latest developments in computational fluid dynamics code simulation capabilities allow them desirable alternatives to the existing cautious method coupled to best guess thermal hydraulic codes and ambiguity assessments. The findings of the numerical fluid dynamics study are compared to the 1:3-long, 1:254-volume, full-pressure and full-temperature small modular reactor test results during steady-state activity and during depressurization. Comparative assessment of the experimental evidence, the results of the thermal hydraulic code and the computational fluid dynamics. The findings offer an opportunity to verify the best-estimated thermal hydraulic code treatment of the natural circulation process and provide insight into the extended use of the computational fluid dynamics framework in potential designs and operations. In addition, a sensitivity review is performed to classify certain physical processes most impactful to the activity of the proposed reactor's natural circulation. The integration of comparative assessment and sensitivity analysis offers tools for improved trust in model improvements for natural circulation loops and improves the efficiency of the thermal hydraulic code