Experimental and Computational Study of Slow and Dense Granular Flow in a Pebble Bed Reactor

摘要

In a Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR), the heat source i.e. nuclear fuel is in the form of a spherical pebble and moves in the core under the influence of gravity. The helium gas moves through the voids formed in between the pebbles and removes the fission heat generated from the fuel. Hence, an investigation of pebble dynamics is of paramount importance from reactor neutronics and coolant thermal hydraulics point of view . Not only a comprehensive experimental study of pebble dynamics will significantly advance current understanding of the PBR technology but also provides a valuable information and benchmark data from reactor safety assessment and performance evaluation point of view. The design and development of a continuous pebble re-circulation experimental set-up , which simulates the flow of pebbles in a pebble bed test reactor, that measures one foot in diameter and one foot in height is being performed at Missouri S&T [Figure 1]. Glass marbles of 1/2 dia., mimic the bed pebbles and are re-circulated continuously.