A numerical study on metallic melt infiltration in porous media and the effect of solidification
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The melt infiltration in porous debris is of importance to severe accident prediction and mitigation in nuclear power plants (NPPs), but its mechanism remains elusive. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is proposed to simulate the evolution of melt infiltration within porous media, incorporating both solidification and melting processes. The CFD model is validated against the experiment (REMCOD facility) and MPS simulation results. Building upon this validated model, the influence of the melt superheat, the initial particle temperature, and its surface wettability on melt infiltration dynamics are mainly analyzed. It was found that increased initial melt superheat enhances melt infiltration length and rate; higher initial particle temperatures promote deeper and faster infiltration, while lower temperatures may result in solidification that blocks further infiltration. Additionally, wettable particulate beds enhance melt infiltration and heat transfer, although this effect is moderated by the melt pool’s hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, phase changes could intensify melt flow instability. This work may expand our understanding of melt infiltration dynamics and pave the way to severe accident modeling in NPPs.
Source: Nuclear Engineering and Design
Authors: Liang Chen, Yan Xiang, Di Fang, Weimin Ma
Institution: KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,670
OpenAlex ID: W4404122677