CFD simulation for the optimal design and utilization of experiment to research the flow process in PWR

The Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) has numerous complex and narrow structures, such as a spacer grid, mixing vane, and narrow channels. Experiments can be used to research the flow characteristics in a reactor. However, using some simplification and approximation cannot be avoided: for example only several fuel rods are used and some solid walls are imposed for modeling the flow in a reactor core. The influence of these simplifications needs to be considered and discussed clearly, since the influence certainly exists and it may result in errors. To obtain a good understanding, this research has studied the impact created by the experimental conditions. The regularities found in this research can be used as a guide for the optimal design and utilization of an experiment to study the physical processes in a PWR.