Workshop paper: Pool CFD Modelling: lessons from the SESAME Project

The Computational Fluid-Dynamics (CFD) modelling of Heavy Liquid Metal (HLM) flows in pool configuration is investigated. We describe how the argument is treated within the SESAME project in its specific work package. The work package structure, based on a systematic approach of redundancy and diversification, is explained along with its motivation. The main achievements obtained and the main lessons learned are illustrated. The paper focuses on the strong coupling between experimental activity and CFD simulation performed within the SESAME project. Two HLM fluids are contemplated: pure lead and Lead-Bismuth Eutectic. The objective is to make CFD a valid instrument in support to the design of safe and innovative Gen-IV nuclear plants. Some effort has also been devoted to a highly challenging and innovative approach, the Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) with Galerkin projection modelling, potentially able to cover some CFD applications at a much lower computational cost. To reach sufficient maturity, the method requires however input from sufficiently complex CFD simulations such as those produced in the present context. Dedicated experimental campaigns on heavily instrumented facilities have been conceived with the specific objective to build a series of datasets suited for the calibration and CFD modelling validation. In pool configuration, the attention is focused on the balance between conductive and convective heat transfer phenomena, on transients representative of incidental scenarios and on the possible occurrence of solidification phenomena. Four test sections have been selected for the dataset production: (i) the CIRCE facility from ENEA, (ii) the TALL-3D pool test section from KTH, (iii) the TALL-3D Solidification Test Section (STS) from KTH and (iv) the SESAME Stand facility from CVR. While CIRCE and TALL-3D were existing facilities, the STS and SESAME Stand facility have been conceived, built and operated within the project, heavily relying on the use of CFD support. Care has been taken to ensure that almost all tasks were followed by at least two partners. We show on specific examples, how this strategy has allowed to uncover flaws and overcome pitfalls. We give an outlook on the work performed, the results achieved and remaining or new uncovered issues. We conclude by opening to an upsized natural target application: the construction of the Gen-IV ALFRED CFD model and investigation on variants of its general circulation.

@InProceedings{MPAFMBFMTFECYGJKRZVBNM19,
  author       = {Moreau, V. and Profir, M. and Alemberti, A. and Frignani, M. and Merli, F. and Belka, M. and Frybort, O. and Melichar, T. and Tarantino, M. and Franke, S. and Eckert, S. and Class, A. and Yanez, J. and Grishchenko, D. and Jeltsov, M. and Kudinov, P. and Roelofs, F. and Zwijsen, K. and Visser, D. and Badillo, A. and Niceno, B. and Martelli, D.},
  title        = {Workshop paper: Pool CFD Modelling: lessons from the SESAME Project},
  booktitle    = {SESAME International Workshop Petten, The Netherlands, 19-21 March 2019},
  year         = {2019},
  keywords     = {SESAME, CFD, pool modelling, lead, LBE, HLM, TALL-3D, ALFRED, CIRCE, freezing, solidification},
  url          = {https://publications.crs4.it/pubdocs/2019/MPAFMBFMTFECYGJKRZVBNM19},
}