Numerical Simulation on Flow Heat Transfer Characteristics of Helium-Xenon Mixture in Tight Lattice Rod Bundle Channel

In response to the design and analysis requirements for the core of the helium-xenon cooled high temperature gas cooled reactor, this study has established a comprehensive three-dimensional heat transfer model for helium-xenon mixture. This model encompasses property model, turbulent model, and turbulent Pr model. Utilizing this model as a foundation, numerical analysis of the flow and heat transfer characteristics of helium-xenon mixture in the fuel rod bundle channel has been conducted. This research investigates the influence of geometric parameters and operational parameters on relevant characteristics. The results reveal that the presence of cladding will bring significant circumferential non-uniformity to the flow and heat transfer in the tight lattice rod bundle channel, necessitating consideration of cladding in both subchannel and three-dimensional numerical simulation. In addition to cladding, heat transfer in the tight lattice rod bundle channel is primarily influenced by the rod diameter ratio. Under identical simulation conditions, a larger rod diameter ratio leads to enhanced convective heat transfer of the mixed gas. © 2024 Atomic Energy Press. All rights reserved.