CFD Application to PWR Subchannel Void Distribution Benchmark

Abstract

A CFD study is performed to simulate the steady-state void distribution benchmark based on the NUPEC PWR Subchannel and Bundle Tests (PSBT). The CFD calculation predicted the void distributions in central typical and thimble subchannels, side subchannel and corner subchannel. The CFD prediction shows a higher void fraction near the heated wall and a migration of void in the subchannel gap region. A measured image of void distribution indicated a locally higher void fraction near the heated wall. The CFD predictions of void fraction and fluid density agree well with the measured ones for the low void test condition. However, the CFD calculations tend to underpredict the void fraction and overpredict the fluid density as the void fraction increases.