Scaling analysis for single-phase natural circulation under dynamic motion and its verification using MARS-KS code. (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Geon-Woo; Park, Goon-Cherl; Cho, Hyoung Kyu
• Is Part Of: Annals of nuclear energy. Volume 159(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: Natural circulation -- Scaling analysis -- Dynamic motion -- System code verification -- Richardson number; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 621.4805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2021.108308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4549

Abstract

Highlights: Scaling analysis was performed under single-phase natural circulation under motion. The inclination angle can be preserved or reduced in the scaled-down model. Simplified test loops of prototype and model were simulated using a system code. Natural circulation similarity criteria under motion were verified with MARS-KS. Abstract: In designing a thermal–hydraulic facility simulating a floating nuclear power plant, the scaling of dynamic motion is necessary. As natural circulation under motion is a significant phenomenon in floating nuclear reactors, a scaling analysis for single-phase natural circulation was performed, and similarity criteria were derived for inclination, frame acceleration, and rotational motion conditions. The inclination angle can be reduced or maintained in the scaled model with adjustments to the hydraulic diameter and volumetric heat generation. In addition, the amplitudes of acceleration and angle should be maintained in the model under motion, and their periods follow the time scale. Thereafter, the similarity criteria were verified using a system analysis code to simulate virtual test loops of the prototype and scaled-down models for a one-dimensional single-phase natural circulation under various motion conditions. In result, this similarity criteria can be used to design a scaled-down single-phase natural circulation facility under motion conditions.