Effects of interaction models on upward subcooled boiling flow in annulus. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Xiang; Yu, Ting; Cong, Tenglong; Peng, Minjun
• Is Part Of: Progress in nuclear energy. Volume 105(2018)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 75
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Subcooled boiling -- Two-phase CFD -- Interaction models; Nuclear energy -- Periodicals; Nuclear engineering -- Periodicals; 333.7924
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2017.12.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-1970

Abstract

Abstract: Numerous correlations have been developed for the interphase functions (drag force, lift force, wall lubrication force, turbulent dispersion force and turbulence interaction). In previous work, most researchers just selected a group of models to perform the CFD simulation, without investigating the applicability and accuracy of different interaction models. In this study, Eulerian two-fluid model coupled with RPI wall boiling model was adopted to simulate upward subcooled boiling flow in an annulus based on FLUENT 15.0. The influences of different models for interaction functions on flow and heat transfer in annulus were studied. The performances of different interaction models were analyzed by comparing the calculated results with Chu and Lee's experimental data. In our test conditions, there was no difference between the results calculated by Moraga model and the data simulated with no lift force. The same conclusion can be got with Hosokawa model for wall lubrication force. The Saffman-Mei model performed better than Tomiyama model and Legendre-Magnaudet model in our research. It was mean that the Saffman-Mei model can also be applied to bubbles which are not significantly deformed. We found two groups of models could simulate the current subcooled boiling experiment with high accuracy by comparing with other groups of models. This work can be referred for choosing interaction models when analyzing subcooled boiling flow around our test conditions. Highlights: CFD method is used to simulate the subcooled boiling flow in annulus. More than 100 groups of interaction models are assessed. Two groups of models could simulate the current subcooled boiling experiment very well. The radial void fraction is sensitive to the model choice of wall lubrication force. Saffman-Mei lift force model can be applied to bubbles without significant deformation.