| Abstract: | The three-dimensional flow of the primary sodium in the LMFBR main vessel, circulating by natural and forced convection, results in an uneven temperature distribution in the large mass of sodium itself (stratification, thermal fluctuations, thermal dissymmetry ... ) and on the components walls. In France, extensive interdependent theoretical, numerical and experimental studies have been performed on this subject. They aim at determining the thermal conditions during all operating conditions with a view to assessing the resulting thermal stresses and evaluating structure behaviour.The results of the commissionning tests of the Super-Phenix's plant show the validity of the method used; the thermalhydraulic knowledge leads to an improvement of the tools. They will be used as a design capability, from the viewpoint of compact and economical design for the next European Fast Breeder Reactor. |
