Implementation of CFD module in the KORSAR thermal-hydraulic system code

Abstract

Abstract The Russian KORSAR/GP (hereinafter KORSAR) computer code was developed by a joint team from Alexandrov NITI and OKB “Gidropress” for VVER safety analysis and certified by the Rostechnadzor of Russia in 2009. The code functionality is based on a 1D two-fluid model for calculation of two-phase flows. A 3D CFD module in the KORSAR computer code is being developed by Alexandrov NITI for representing 3D effects in the downcomer and lower plenum during asymmetrical loop operation. The CFD module uses Cartesian grid method with cut cell approach. The paper presents a numerical algorithm for coupling 1D and 3D thermal-hydraulic modules in the KORSAR code. To ensure mass and energy balances at the interface, convective fluxes for 1D module are calculated as a sum of fluxes at corresponding boundary faces of 3D module. Mass balance condition is used to couple pressures in the modules. The combined pressure field is calculated by the multigrid method. The performance efficiency of the algorithm for coupling 1D and 3D modules was demonstrated by solving the benchmark problem of mixing cold and hot flows in a T-junction.