COMPLOT Test Section Outlet CFD Optimization (Pre-Test and Dimensioning)

In the framework of the FP7 MAXSIMA European project, the COMPLOT (COMPonent LOop Testing) LBE experimental facility is employed for thermal-hydraulic experiments aimed to test and qualify, among other components, a buoyancy driven safety/control rods (SR/CR) system, as key components for the safe operation of the MYRRHA reactor. This paper focuses mainly on a simplified CFD representation of the SR test section outlet in order to optimise it for the testing program. Parametric cases, associated with different positions of the SR assembly have been set up and analysed. A quasi-static analysis has been performed for each case, accounting for the LBE volume displaced by the insertion of the SR bundle, by introducing appropriately positioned additional mass sources. Velocity and pressure fields, as well as pressure drop magnitudes and mass flow rates through relevant guide tube hole outlets have been calculated and compared. The CFD analysis proved that the outer boundary of the test section does not impact the expected performance of the SR (rapid transient downward insertion). Preliminary simulations reproducing the timely repositioning of the SR/CR in COMPLOT using procedures of automatic volume mesh regeneration, consistently with the rod imposed displacement, are illustrated.

@Article{PMK13,
  author       = {Profir, M. and Moreau, V. and Kennedy, G.},
  title        = {COMPLOT Test Section Outlet CFD Optimization (Pre-Test and Dimensioning)},
  journal      = {Journal of Nuclear Research and Development},
  volume       = {NO. 6},
  pages        = {19-24},
  month        = {december},
  year         = {2013},
  keywords     = {MYRRHA, COMPLOT, CFD, parametric study },
  issn         = {2247-191X},
  url          = {https://publications.crs4.it/pubdocs/2013/PMK13},
}