A Liquid Metal Subchannel Code Used in Ocean Conditions and Study the Heat Transfer Characteristics in Rod Bundle of Reactor Core

Abstract In this study, a thermal hydraulic ocean version subchannel analysis code is developed for liquid metal reactor core analysis based on the theoretical model of ocean conditions. In the developing process, the ocean conditions are divided into heaving, rolling and pitching conditions. During the development of the program, it is found that the research on the characteristics of flow resistance and heat transfer mechanism under ocean conditions is not mature, the theoretical models are not perfect, and there is no widely recognized empirical relationship under ocean conditions. The original empirical model is still used in the first version of the program. Furthermore, the verification and validation of the subchannel program is carried out by comparing the results of experimental data. The effects of geometric parameters such as rod Pitch to Diameter ratio P/D, Rod to Wall gap (RTW) are studied. In addition, the boundary conditions of inlet mass flow on the flow and heat transfer under ocean conditions are investigated. The effect of rolling motion on different coolants including liquid meal and water are discussed under ocean conditions. The newly developed subchannel analysis code can well complete the thermal and hydraulic calculation of liquid metal cooled fuel assemblies under ocean conditions, and can provide support for the design and thermal and hydraulic analysis of reactor in ocean environment.