CFD simulation benchmark on thermal-hydraulic behaviour of light metal layer
Résumé
In the framework of the IAEA Coordinated Research Projects on In-Vessel Melt Retention, a benchmark of CFD simulations, devoted to thermal-hydraulic behavior of the light metal layer involves several research organizations: KTH of Sweden, SSTC NRS of Ukraine, ÚJV Řež of Czech Republic and CEA of France.
This work aims at better simulating the focusing effect phenomenon leading to a heat flux peak along the height of the light metal layer, which is formed above the oxide layer in a stratified corium pool configuration during a PWR severe accident. This is a known safety issue compromising the reactor vessel integrity. The final stage of this benchmark is the simulation of realistic prototypical light metal layer configuration in case of severe accident. The first benchmark step provides a solid foundation to the CFD schemes (physical models, meshes) by comparing the results of CFD simulations with thermal-hydraulic experimental data obtained using water as simulating fluid in a representative and quite laminar configuration. Then a similar but highly turbulent case, of higher height, is considered for more complex validation of the numerical simulation approach. Results with different turbulent models are compared. On the strength of this encouraging work, a simulation of the same height configuration but considering steel fluid and severe accident conditions is foreseen at the final stage of this benchmark.
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