Abstract
The helical fuel rod is a kind of axially twisted fuel element with a three or four-petaled profile. The helical fuel rod assembly assembled by helical fuel rods against one another in an array is self-supporting and free of spacer grids. This study analyses the flow field in a four-petaled helical fuel rod bundle from a subchannel method perspective, and found that the mixing effects are dominated by the flow sweeping but turbulence mixing. The crossflow is two-way at interior gaps, while it is one-way at side gaps. A basic form of flow sweeping mixing model is proposed and implemented in CTF code. The coefficients are determined based on reported mixing experiments, and the model predicts the twist angle-dependent mixing rates well. Although the proposed model coefficients are geometry dependent, the derivation methodology and basic form of the model could be applied in other helical fuel rod assemblies effectively.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
