基于子通道程序的再淹没夹带液滴初始尺寸模型适用性研究

Assessment of Entrained Droplet Initial Size Models in Reflood Using Subchannel Code

  • 摘要: 液滴初始尺寸模型是子通道程序中描述液滴尺寸、输运及传热行为的重要组成部分,对再淹没工况下通道下游热工水力参数的预测具有重要影响。本文基于两流体三相场子通道程序对比分析了定位格架建模方式对再淹没工况预测准确性的影响,结果表明仅考虑格架压降影响的等效阻力建模方式不适用于再淹没参数的预测,需考虑格架效应对下游传热强化及液滴破碎的影响。而后调研了RELAP5、COBRA-TRAC、Paik、TRACE、Analytis和Yoo等临界后夹带液滴初始尺寸模型,将6种模型分别植入子通道程序中进行再淹没工况模拟,系统评估了不同液滴尺寸模型对再淹没过程热工水力参数计算的影响。研究表明不同液滴初始尺寸模型对液滴直径、液滴速度及包壳温度的预测结果存在明显差异,其中Analytis模型整体表现最优,程序预测的液滴索特平均直径、液滴速度变化及包壳峰值温度与实验结果符合较好;Yoo模型和RELAP5模型对液滴尺寸预测偏大,导致计算的液滴速度偏小,显著高估了包壳温度。合理的液滴初始尺寸模型能够有效提高子通道程序对再淹没工况下液滴行为及包壳冷却过程的预测能力,因此有必要在子通道程序开发与应用过程中对液滴初始尺寸模型的适用性进行详细评估。

     

    Abstract: The droplet initial size model constitutes a fundamental element of subchannel analysis for the description of droplet diameter, transport behavior, and interfacial heat transfer, and it has a substantial impact on the prediction of downstream thermal-hydraulic parameters under reflood conditions. Accurate representation of entrained droplet behavior is particularly important for post-critical-heat-flux heat transfer analysis because it directly affects the prediction of liquid cooling performance and safety-related parameters such as cladding temperature. In this work, the effects of spacer grid modeling and droplet initial size correlations on reflood prediction were investigated using the two-fluid three-field subchannel code. The influence of spacer grid representation on the accuracy of reflood parameter prediction was examined by comparing different modeling approaches. The results indicate that the equivalent resistance treatment, in which the spacer grid is represented solely by its pressure-loss effect, is inadequate for reflood simulations. Although this simplified approach accounts for the hydraulic resistance introduced by the grid, it cannot reproduce the enhancement of downstream heat transfer or the droplet breakup process induced by the grid structure, leading to noticeable deficiencies in the prediction of downstream flow and heat transfer characteristics. These findings imply that a realistic simulation of reflood phenomena requires a more mechanistic treatment of spacer grid effects. On this basis, six post-critical-heat-flux initial entrained droplet size models, namely the RELAP5, COBRA-TRAC, Paik, TRACE, Analytis, and Yoo models, were implemented into subchannel code, and their influences on major thermal-hydraulic parameters during the reflood process were systematically assessed. The comparative results reveal that the selection of the droplet initial size model leads to significant differences in the predicted droplet Sauter mean diameter, droplet velocity, and cladding temperature, and these discrepancies further propagate to the prediction of droplet transport, interfacial heat transfer, and wall cooling behavior in the post-CHF regime. Among the models considered, the Analytis model exhibits the best overall agreement with the experimental data, providing comparatively accurate predictions of droplet Sauter mean diameter, the variation trend of droplet velocity, and peak cladding temperature. By contrast, the RELAP5 and Yoo models tend to overestimate the initial droplet diameter, which results in lower predicted droplet velocities and reduced cooling effectiveness of the dispersed liquid phase, thereby causing a marked overprediction of cladding temperature. The present study demonstrates that the droplet initial size model plays a decisive role in determining the predictive capability of subchannel codes under reflood conditions. A physically appropriate and well-validated droplet initial size model can significantly improve the simulation of droplet dynamics and cladding cooling behavior, whereas an unsuitable model may introduce considerable errors in the prediction of important safety parameters. It is necessary to conduct a detailed assessment of the applicability of droplet initial size models during the development and application of subchannel codes.

     

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