Computational fluid dynamics analysis of spallation target for experimental accelerator-driven transmutation system

One of the key milestones in the roadmap of the European accelerator-driven transmutation system (ADS) is the design and construction of the European experimental ADS (XADS). The window spallation target unit in the lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) cooled reactor system is one of the basic options considered in the preliminary design study of XADS (PDS-XADS). This paper presents the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and the main results achieved for this option focusing on the coolability of the window. Steady-state as well as transient behavior, including beam interrupts and three major accident scenarios, has been analyzed using the CFD code CFX 5.6 with an advanced turbulence model. The required boundary conditions were provided by a one-dimensional system code. Based on the CFD analysis, the window geometry was modified in order to achieve sufficient cooling capability of the window under normal operating conditions. The transient behavior of the window temperature under beam trip conditions shows the importance of the beam interrupt duration to the thermal stress load of the window structural material. Further transient analysis of three major accidental scenarios, i.e., beam focusing, loss of heat sink, and beam intensity jump, indicates that the beam focusing accident gives the most serious safety concern. In this case, window failure occurs in less than 1 s after the start of the beam focusing.