Investigation on the applicability of turbulent-Prandtl-number models for liquid lead-bismuth eutectic

Abstract

With the proposal of Accelerator Driven Sub-critical System (ADS) together with liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) as coolant for both reactor and spallation target, the use of accurate heat transfer correlation and reliable turbulent-Prandtl-number model of LBE in turbulent flows is essential when designing ADS components of primary loop and heat exchanger of secondary loop. Unlike conventional fluids, there is not an acknowledged turbulent-Prandtl-number model for LBE flows. This paper reviews and assesses the existing turbulent-Pandtl-number models and various heat transfer correlations in circular tubes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is employed to evaluate the applicability of various turbulent-Prandtl-number models for LBE in the circular tube under boundary conditions of constant heat flux and constant wall temperature. Based on the assessment of turbulent-Prandtl-number models, the reliable turbulent-Prandtl-number models are recommended for CFD applications to LBE flows under boundary conditions of constant heat flux and constant wall temperature. The present study indicates that turbulent Prandtl number has a significant difference in turbulent LBE flow between constant-heat-flux and constant-wall-temperature boundary conditions.