Using Cross Correlation Methods to Analyze Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor Fluid Flow

Abstract

Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors (MSRs) are of great interest because of their online refueling, increased efficiency of heat transfer, and improved safety features. MSRs require new techniques to detect changes in the flow conditions of molten salt fluid. This paper discusses the viability of using non-invasive ultrasonic cross-correlation measurement techniques to better monitor how turbulent structures develop through time and space in the conditions of an MSR. With the use of cross-correlation techniques, one can identify statistical parameters, which to monitor to detect flow condition changes in a fluid. The authors are developing a numerical simulation of molten salt flow in a simulated reactor pipe. This simulation investigates the feasibility of a non-invasive monitoring technique. If successful, this technique would provide high accuracy monitoring of molten salt flow in MSRs with minimal changes to reactor design.