Core TH
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Multi-Field Coupled Rod Bundle Research


Objectives
- Experiments and modeling for multi-D flow in rod bundles
- Improvement of turbulent dispersion model for multi-D single-phase flow in rod bundles based on MIR+PIV technique
- Production of test DB for code validation on multi-D two-phase flow in a rod bundle based on X-ray CT technique
- Multi-physics coupled safety assessment of LOCA and RIA phenomena
- Thermo-mechanically coupled analysis of LOCA (Loss-of-Coolant Accident) and validation of the coupled safety analysis code
- Experiment and model improvement of transient heat transfer phenomena for RIA (Reactivity Initiated Accident)
R&D Status
- Preliminary MIR+PIV experiments are being conducted using a 6×4 rod bundle test facility (PRIUS)
- Test facilities of PWR fuel assembly scale are being designed for single-phase MIR+PIV experiments and for two-phase X-ray CT experiments.
- Development of experimental techniques and measurement method for multi-physics coupled LOCA analysis
- Design and construction of RIA test facility and commissioning tests

Distorted image due to
unmatched refractive index

Transparent image by
matched refractive index
Raw image without and with MIR tech. (PRIUS)

Mean velocity and turbulence intensity
Year | Research Plan - Multi-physics coupled safety assessment of LOCA and RIA phenomena |
---|---|
2017 | Design of experimental facility and development of measurement techniques Installation and commissioning of low-pressure test facility |
2018 | Construction of experimental facility for single rod test Experiments for pool boiling under low-pressure conditions |
2019 | Single rod test and evaluation of the integrated fuel and thermal-hydraulics code Experiments for flow boiling under low-pressure conditions |
2020 | Construction of experimental facility for rod bundle test Installation and commissioning of high-pressure test facility |
2021 | Rod bundle test and validation of the integrated fuel and thermal-hydraulics code Database construction and T/H modeling for RIA condition |
Outcomes & Perspectives
- Contribution to the advancement of multi-D reactor TH analysis code through securement of unique test DB and model development
- Contribution to advanced multi-physics safety analysis technique of LOCA and RIA phenomena by using multi-physics coupled analyses and related model improvements
- Direct application of the research results to verification and validation of multi-physics coupled safety analysis code system
- Broadening of current safety analysis scope by extending multi-physics coupled LOCA and RIA phenomena to realistic safety analysis of design extension conditions
- Improvement of prediction capabilities of multi-physics coupled safety analysis code system for LOCA and RIA