Stability analysis of single-phase thermosyphon loops by finite-difference numerical methods

In this paper, examples of the application of finite-difference numerical methods in the analysis of stability of single-phase natural circulation loops are reported. The problem is addressed here for its relevance to thermal-hydraulic system code applications, with the aim to point out the effects of truncation error on stability prediction. The methodology adopted for analyzing in a systematic way the effect of various finite-difference discretization can be considered the numerical analogue of the usual techniques adopted for PDE stability analysis. Three different single-phase loop configurations are considered involving various kinds of boundary conditions. In one of these cases, an original dimensionless form of the governing equations is proposed, adopting the Reynolds number as a flow variable. This allows for an appropriate consideration of transition between laminar and turbulent regimes, which is not possible with other dimensionless forms, thus enlarging the range of validity of model assumptions.     

Accuracy aspects in multiphase flow metering using X-raytransmission

The composition of a mixture of several components flowing through a pipe can be determined by means of an X-ray transmission technique/analysis. We present some aspects of the theory relating to an application in which the component volume fractions of an oil, water, and gas mixture are determined. It will be shown that on fundamental grounds, this technique has its limits regarding the number of components that can be distinguished in relation to the achieved accuracy of the measured attenuation     

Corium spreading and coolability: CSC Project

In the context of severe accidents, large R&D efforts throughout the world are currently directed towards ex-vessel corium behaviour. Among the mitigation means which can be envisaged, the European industries and utilities are considering the implementation of a core-catcher outside the reactor pressure vessel in order to prevent basemat erosion and to stabilize and control the corium within the containment. The CSC project focused on two key phenomena for external core-catcher efficiency, reliability and safety: spreading and coolability. An experimental programme, covering different scenarios and including both simulant and real materials provided a lot of results which now constitute a large database and which enabled the qualification of computer codes.     

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