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Experimental study of void fraction in an 8×8 rod bundle at low pressure and low liquid flow conditions

  • Collin Clark
  • , Matthew Griffiths
  • , Shao-Wen Chen
  • , Takashi Hibiki
  • , Mamoru Ishii
  • , Ikuo Kinoshita
  • , Yoshitaka Yoshida

Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review

Abstract

An experiment has been performed to measure void fraction at stagnant to low liquid flow conditions in a rod bundle. An 8. ×. 8 rod bundle test facility scaled from a boiling water reactor design was utilized at atmospheric pressure with air and water as working fluids. Superficial liquid velocity ranged from 0 to 1.0. m/s and superficial gas velocity ranged from 0.03 to 10.0. m/s. Area-averaged measurements of superficial liquid velocity, superficial gas velocity, and void fraction are used to calculate distribution parameter from a kinematic constitutive equation of the drift-flux model. Results indicate a significant increase in distribution parameter when mixture volumetric flux is relatively low. This observation may be attributed to recirculating flow patterns. An investigation is conducted for existing rod bundle drift-flux correlations because they may not appropriately consider these mechanisms at low liquid flow and low pressure conditions. Results suggest that improvements may be made if the effects of recirculating flow are taken into consideration. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-100
JournalInternational Journal of Multiphase Flow
Volume62
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2014
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Research Keywords

  • Drift-flux
  • Pressurized water reactor
  • Rod bundle
  • Two phase flow
  • Void fraction

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