Challenges in low-Prandtl number heat transfer simulation and modelling

Abstract

Nuclear heat transfer applications with low-Prandtl number fluids are often in the transition range between conduction and convection dominated regimes. Most flows in reactors involve also anisotropic turbulent fluxes and strong buoyancy influences. The relevance and complexity of the required heat flux modelling is discussed depending on engineering issues. The needed acceptable models range from locally applicable turbulent Prandtl number formulations, over algebraic flux models, to full second order models in RANS as well as in LES, all with special liquid metal extensions. Recommendations are deduced for the promising HYBRID models. The listed remaining challenges show the need for further development of models and instrumentation.