Code performance with improved two-group interfacial area concentration correlation for one-dimensional forced convective two-phase flow simulation

In gas–liquid two-phase flow simulation for reactor safety analysis, interfacial momentum transfer in two-fluid model plays an important role in predicting void fraction. Depending on flow conditions, a shape of the two-phase interface complicatedly evolves. One of the proposed approaches is to quantify the gas–liquid interface information using interfacial area transport equation. On the other hand, a more simplified and robust approach is to classify bubbles into two-groups based on their transport characteristics and utilize constitutive equations for interfacial area concentration for each group. In this paper, interfacial drag model based on the two-group interfacial area concentration correlations is implemented into system analysis code, and void fractions were calculated for the evaluation of numerical behaviors. The present analysis includes (1) comparison of one-group and two-group relative velocity models, (2) comparison with separate effect test database, (3) uncertainty evaluation of drag coefficient, (4) numerical stability assessment in flow regime transition, and (5) transient analysis for simulating the prototypic condition. Results showed that utilization of interfacial drag force term using constitutive equations of two-group interfacial area concentration yields satisfactory void fraction calculation results. The proposed solution technique is practical and advantageous in view of reducing the computational cost and simplifying the solution scheme.