Preliminary Results for Validation of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Prediction of Flow through a Split Vane Spacer Grid

Abstract

This paper presents the the first stage of the ongoing numerical blind exercise organized by OECD-NEA. McMaster University along with other participants plans to submit a numerical CFD prediction of the detailed flow field and turbulence characteristics for flow past 5x5 rod bundle with a spacer grid equipped with mixing vanes. The results will be compared with blind experimental measurements performed in Korea. Due to the fact that a number of the modeling strategies are available for such flows, we have performed a series of tests to assess the mesh requirements, flow steadiness, turbulence modeling and wall treatment effects. Results of these preliminary studies are reported in the present paper.