The experimental and theoretical analysis of a natural circulation system in rolling motion

The natural circulation in rolling motion is investigated experimentally. The RELAP5/MOD3.3 code is modified by adding a module calculating the effect of rolling motion and introducing new flow and heat transfer models. The thermal hydraulic code in rolling motion is developed to simulate the natural circulation in rolling motion. The experimental data are used to validate the theoretical models and calculation results. It is shown that the new flow and heat transfer models could correctly predict the frictional resistance and heat transfer coefficients in rolling motion. The thermal hydraulic code is used to simulate a natural circulation system in rolling motion. The calculation results are in agreement with experimental data. The relative discrepancies between calculation results and experimental data are less than 5%.

► A modified code for the nuclear reactor thermal hydraulic analysis in ocean environment was established. ► The relative discrepancies between calculation results and experimental data are less than 5%. ► Advanced flow and heat transfer models were adopted in the code.