Simulation of flow reversal experiments with the code CATHARE
Résumé
Flow reversal may occur in the core of research reactors with downward cooling. In case of accidental scenarios, the transition from forced to natural convection leads to an inversion of the coolant direction from downward to upward. During the transient, the two-phase flow may undergo high instabilities. Thus, it is important to prove that the simulation tools are capable to capture the phenomenon. In this paper, flow reversal experiments, performed at Brookhaven National Laboratory, have been simulated with the thermal-hydraulic system code CATHARE. The facility was scaled to reproduce the thermal-hydraulic loop of the High Flux Beam Reactor and the associated physical phenomena. The flow reversal was obtained with a linear coast-down of the circulating pump from nominal to zero flow. A CATHARE model has been realised. The results of the simulations show a very good agreement with the available experimental data. Several sensitivity analyses have been carried out.
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)