Numerical simulation of turbulent flow through a 37-element CANDU fuel bundle

作者：Bhattacharya A; Yu S D^*; Kawall G

来源：Annals of Nuclear Energy, 2012, 40(1): 87-105.

DOI：10.1016/j.anucene.2011.10.017

• CANDU fuel
• Large eddy simulation
• Vortex shedding
• Turbulent flow
• Bundle vibration

In this paper, a comprehensive Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model containing the entire bundle subchannels and the inlet endplate subchannels for a 37-element simulated CANDU fuel bundle is developed for the first time. Results from this study, obtained for different mass flow rates, revealed the presence of strong turbulent swirling flow in many bundle subchannels around the entrance region. Several spikes from the power spectrum densities of (a) the computed pressures at different points inside the subchannels and (b) the unsteady forces and rolling moments on various fuel element walls are appeared to be associated with the turbulent wakes formed as the coolant enters the fuel bundle through the inlet endplate subchannels.

• 出版日期2012-2