Investigation on the Simulation of Turbulent Heat Transfer of Liquid Metal Flow in a Narrow Rectangular Channel

Abstract

Abstract Liquid metal has the advantages of high boiling point and strong thermal conductivity and is selected as the coolant for a new generation nuclear system. In addition, the narrow rectangular channel is used in the small reactors or research reactors due to its compact structure and high heat transfer capacity. In order to accurately simulate the turbulent heat transfer of liquid metals in narrow rectangular channels, based on the relevant experimental data, this paper explored suitable numerical simulation methods. First of all, according to the research object, the appropriate experimental data was selected, and the geometric modeling, mesh division, and the mesh independence verification were carried out. It was ensured that the y+ meets the requirements of each turbulence model and wall treatment model. Several typical turbulence models and the wall treatment models were evaluated. For the low Prandtl number fluid such as liquid metal, it is necessary to select a suitable turbulent Prandtl number model in the RANS simulation. The sensitivity of the calculation results to the turbulent Prandtl number was analyzed. Finally, the existing turbulent Prandtl number models were evaluated. The suitable Prt at different Pe was given based on experimental value, so that the turbulent heat transfer of liquid metal in a narrow rectangular channel can be accurately simulated.