Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling of Natural Convection in Spent Fuel Rods
Class
Article
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Robert Spall
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Cooling of spent nuclear fuel rods are conventionally done using water as the coolant, however it involves poisoning the water with radiation from the fuel rods and makes it difficult for humans to handle the poisoned water.Especially after the recent nuclear tragedy in Japan we know how dangerous it could be if water is contaminated with radiation. Natural convection is perhaps the best possible way to cool the fuel rods. USU Experimental Fluid Dynamics lab have recently setup an experiment that mimics the natural convection involved in spent fuel rods. The data available from the lab is a perfect opportunity to model and validate a Computational fluid dynamic model. The validated CFD model can be used to study several configuration of boundary conditions and changes in physics(natural and forced convection or exclusively) which is in turn cost effective in comparison to the similar study with the experimental setup.The presentation will involve an over view of the CFD model with the geometry, physics involved and results along with post processed images.
Start Date
4-9-2015 12:00 PM
Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling of Natural Convection in Spent Fuel Rods
Cooling of spent nuclear fuel rods are conventionally done using water as the coolant, however it involves poisoning the water with radiation from the fuel rods and makes it difficult for humans to handle the poisoned water.Especially after the recent nuclear tragedy in Japan we know how dangerous it could be if water is contaminated with radiation. Natural convection is perhaps the best possible way to cool the fuel rods. USU Experimental Fluid Dynamics lab have recently setup an experiment that mimics the natural convection involved in spent fuel rods. The data available from the lab is a perfect opportunity to model and validate a Computational fluid dynamic model. The validated CFD model can be used to study several configuration of boundary conditions and changes in physics(natural and forced convection or exclusively) which is in turn cost effective in comparison to the similar study with the experimental setup.The presentation will involve an over view of the CFD model with the geometry, physics involved and results along with post processed images.