Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Analysis of the Cellular Convection Phenomena in the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant Prototype Pump

摘要

Cellular convection was studied rigorously during the development of the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant (CRBRP) Program Pumps. This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional finite-element heat transfer model which accounts for the cellular convection phenomena. A buoyancy driven cellular convection flow pattern is introduced in the annulus region between the upper inner structure and the pump tank. Steady-state thermal data were obtained for several test conditions for argon gas pressures up to 93 psig (741 kPa) and sodium operating temperatures to 1000 exp 0 F (811 exp 0 K). Test temperature distributions on the pump tank and inner structure were correlated with numerical results and excellent agreement was obtained. (ERA citation 09:018454)