Research of PM-ADC scheme for optimized computational CFD analysis in fast reactor cores

Abstract

Several challenges exist in the analysis of the sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) core using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)codes. These include the intricate task of geometric modeling and mesh partitioning and the substantial computational resources required by CFD calculations. These challenges have been shown to create significant impediments to the practical analysis of the SFR core. This paper proposes a CFD scheme called the Parameterized Modeling and Automated Distributed Computing Approach (PM-ADC) to address the challenges. This approach includes a fuel assembly model tailored for the fast reactor core and incorporates parameterized geometric modeling coupled with a system to automate the distribution of parallel computing. The PM-ADC scheme is divided into two critical components: rapid preprocessing design and the generation of geometric models and meshes for core assemblies, enabled by Parameterized Modeling (PM). In contrast, the Automatic Distributed Computing (ADC) component is responsible for the enhancement of computing efficiency and resource utilization. This is achieved by the automatic allocation and distribution of CFD computing resources within a partitioned domain, resulting in the completion of CFD analyses for all fuel assemblies at full height in a significantly reduced timeframe. The performance of the PM-ADC scheme is analyzed on CFD calculations on representative areas of 81 fuel assemblies within the core of the Chinese Experimental Fast Reactor (CEFR). The results show that the PM-ADC scheme can accurately and efficiently simulate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the CEFR fuel assembly, demonstrating its potential for high-fidelity analysis of large engineering systems. The study's findings also provide new insights and tools for the ongoing development and analysis of SFRs, contributing to the evolution of nuclear reactor design and safety.