Analysis of Westinghouse MB2 test using the Steam-generator Thermohydraulics Analysis code STAF

Abstract

In the present study, we develop a Steam-generator Thermohydraulics Analysis code based on Fluent (STAF) for predicting the three-dimensional localized thermal–hydraulic characteristics in the primary and secondary sides of steam generator. STAF code is developed based on the porous media model in Fluent. The flow resistances caused by the tubes, support plates, downcomer and separators are introduced to the momentum equation as additional source terms of shell side fluid; the heat transfer from primary to secondary side fluid is considered as the source term of energy equation of secondary side fluid. The flow and heat transfer in primary side, as well as the tube-to-shell-side heat transfer are solved by the user-defined functions in Fluent. STAF is used to simulate the Westinghouse MB2 test, and localized thermohydraulics parameters are obtained. The numerical results show good agreement with experimental results, demonstrating the ability of STAF to model the three-dimensional flow and heat transfer characteristics in primary and secondary side of steam generator. Besides, parameters associated with flow-induced vibration are also analyzed.