Transient CFD Simulation of Turbulent Structures in a Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

Preliminary steady flow thermal-hydraulic analysis on natural convection in small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) identified regions of significant fluid-structure interactions [1,2 - URL]. The present work aimed at capturing the transient growth and propagation of eddies and vortex shedding in the hot leg riser of an SMR. Large eddy simulations (LES) were performed on regions where internal structures significantly altered flow patterns and were relevant to the structural integrity of the reactor pressure vessel. The commercial CFD suite STAR-CCM+ was utilized for this work.