Evaluation of Pressure Drop Correlations for the Wire-wrapped Rod Bundles

摘要

In the present study, various friction factor correlations for the wire-wrapped fuel rod bundle have been assessed to determine the preferred correlation for the Representative SFR fuel rod bundle. EMB, NOV and BDD correlations show the relatively inaccurate prediction of friction factor in some or all of the flow regimes. The relative differences among REH, the original and upgraded CTs are around ±10% which is less than typical experimental measurement uncertainties. It seems preferable to use the UCTD for the best accuracy of the pressure drop analysis of wire-wrapped fuel rod bundle and to use the UCTS and Rehme correlations for the quick and reasonable evaluation. The CFD analysis results showed that it would be capable to the accurate prediction of pressure drop in a wire-wrapped fuel rod bundle. However, it should be noted that the near-wall meshing and proper selection of wall treatment are of importance for the accuracy of the CFD prediction.