Work

Validation and application of coupled thermal-hydraulics and neutronics model using sub-channel CFD and SERPENT

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The novel coarse-mesh CFD tool Subchannel-CFD (SubChCFD) is coupled with the Monte Carlo transport code Serpent using a segregated multi-physics coupling algorithm. The multi-physics model is validated using the CASL VERA Core Physics Benchmark Progression Problem #6, showing good agreement of pin powers and exit coolant temperatures. The model is also used to simulate an assembly from the K-SMR soluble‑boron-free small modular reactor, which shows good agreement with a full-scale CFD model from the software STAR-CCM+, with the exception of a small gap region between two large control rod guide tube and burnable poison rods, which induces a periodic flow instability that SubChCFD cannot fully replicate. Nevertheless, the oscillatory characteristics of the instabilities modelled by both codes show some similarity.

Source: Nuclear Engineering and Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2025.114672

Authors: Bryan Tan, Yu Duan, Michael J. Bluck, Matthew D. Eaton, Bo Liu

Institutions: Imperial College London, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear Engineering Thermal-Hydraulics

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,710

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council