An overview of computational fluid dynamics and nuclear applications

2017 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved. Numerical equation solvers have been developed rather than complex codes in the area of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). As a further difference related to system thermal hydraulics, turbulence can be modeled directly (only its effects are computed by system thermal-hydraulic codes) by empirically supported models and convergence of results can be in principle demonstrated when mesh size is reduced down to a fixed value. So-called spatial resolution in phenomena modeling can be ensured. Grid generation methods are adopted instead of code-user-nodalizations in system thermal hydraulics. The CFD user has access to suitable numerical ports for enhancing modeling capabilities. Best practice guidelines (BPG) do exist to orient the applications. These partly substitute the validation in the area of system thermal hydraulics. Coupling between system thermal hydraulics and CFD codes constitutes a common practice to simulate complex systems and to achieve the needed spatial resolution in selected regions of nuclear power plants.

An overview of computational fluid dynamics and nuclear applications Chapter