Transient conjugated heat transfer within IFMIF high flux test module

Transient numerical simulations were carried out for the helium cooled high flux test module (HFTM) during start-up, shut-down, loss-of-coolant and temporary beam-off periods on a quarter-rig model. The transient responses of the specimen temperature with the changing operation conditions are the main outcome of the simulations. The results serve as reference for the design of HFTM and remote handling strategy. The commercial numerical codes CFX 12.0 and Star-CD 4.10 were used. Several turbulence models have been tested against annular channel experiments (ITHEX), including the k–ɛ, SST and Baseline Reynolds stress models of CFX and high and low Reynolds number k–ɛ models and k–ω SST model of Star-CD. The heat transfer characteristics for various coolant flows were discussed.

► Operation transients were simulated for the HFTM of IFMIF.
► Validations of several turbulence models were carried out using in-house experimental results.
► The loss-of-coolant during operation is dangerous in that the HFTM will be heated up an unacceptable level within 1 min.