Numerical simulation of a confined jet under suction and counter-momentum for the Canadian MAPLE Research Reactor

Abstract

A new research reactor called MAPLE (Multipurpose Applied Physics Lattice Experimental), has been developed-by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited to generate a maximum thermal output power from 1 to 30 MW. The MAPLE is an upward-flowing, light-water-cooled research reactor with an open-chimney-in-pool arrangement. As part of the thermalhydraulics study, two-dimensional flow behaviour was predicted to study flow patterns in key components of the reactor, in particular the effect of the jet from the core in the open chimney environment. The study was needed to ensure that the submerged core jet, which contains a high level of radioactivity, would be confined in the chimney. The effectiveness of counter-momentum and suction flows designed to suppress the jet was examined for various conditions.