In the present study, we have applied a combined wall-resolving dynamic Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) (for the velocity field) and Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) (for the temperature field) approach for mixing of parallel triple-jets with different temperatures of liquid sodium in a turbulent forced convection regime. Because of the high thermal conductivity of sodium (a low-Prandtl fluid), we adopted the dynamic Smagorinsky subgrid closure for the unresolved velocity scales, while the thermal scales are fully resolved. Furthermore, the Time-dependent Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (T-RANS) approach with the high-Reynolds number variant (i.e. with the wall functions as boundary conditions along solid boundaries) of the four-equation eddy viscosity model (k−ε−k_θ−ε_θ) was applied. The fine-mesh LES/DNS provided a close agreement with the experimental data for both velocity and temperature fields (for both first- and second-moments). In contrast, the coarse-mesh LES/DNS overestimated the turbulent kinetic energy profiles at different distances from the inlet plane. The T-RANS results confirmed a good agreement with the mean streamwise velocity and turbulent kinetic energy, as well as the mean temperature profiles. Finally, the analysis of power spectral density distributions of the temperature signal revealed that all simulation techniques captured a dominant flow frequency originating from the induced Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities between the side and central jets. The presented combined dynamic LES/DNS approach is recommended for future simulations of the turbulent forced convection flows of low Prandtl fluids, especially if thermal fatigue effects need to be predicted correctly.

@en

The current need to ensure an effective and prompt transition of the energy sector towards zero-carbon has renewed the interest for nuclear technology. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) seem particularly interesting for their reduced capital cost, operational flexibility and enhanced safety and security. Different SMR concepts are being developed around the world and the liquid metal-cooled technology is one of the most convincing design options. Liquid Metal Fast Reactor (LMFR) technology was identified as one of the possible Generation IV reactor options too....@en

In the present work, we have applied a combined dynamic large-eddy simulation (LES) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) approach for a three-dimensional planar jet in a turbulent forced convection regime (Re = 18000) with a heated co-flow. Results from LES are compared with Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations and experimental data. We have analyzed flow and heat transfer features for four values of the characteristic Prandtl numbers (Pr = 0.71, 0.2, 0.025, and 0.006), which are representatives of air, He-Xe gas mixture, Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE), and sodium, respectively. The latter two low-Prandtl fluids have been considered because of their role as primary coolants in advanced fast pool-type reactor prototypes (such as the Multi-purpose Hybrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications (MYRRHA) at SCK•CEN, Belgium). We have provided detailed insights into instantaneous and long-term time-averaged behavior of the velocity and temperature fields (the first- and second-order moments). Furthermore, we have analyzed profiles of characteristic velocity and temperature time scales and dissipation rates, as well as the power spectra of the streamwise velocity component and temperature at several characteristic locations. The mean temperature profiles demonstrated rather low sensitivity for various values of the Prandtl number. In contrast, profiles of the temperature standard deviation exhibited larger variations, decreasing in magnitude with lower Prandtl values. Here presented results of the high fidelity numerical simulations (dynamic LES/DNS) for the low-Prandtl working fluids can be used for further development, testing, and validation of the advanced RANS-type turbulence models.

@en

In the present work, we combine experiments and numerical simulations of a planar jet with heated co-flow with medium (air) and low-Prandtl (He-Xe gas mixture) fluids. Jets are recognized as representative test cases to be investigated in large components of pool-type liquid metal-cooled nuclear systems, like the Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications (MYRRHA), currently under design at SCK•CEN. The present planar jet configuration mimics a closed wind tunnel that is designed and operated at VKI to generate an experimental database for velocity and temperature fields of a turbulent forced-convection flow regime. The performed experiments combine the Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) (in characteristic planes) and thermocouple (single point) measurements. In parallel with experiments, comprehensive numerical simulations have been performed within the RANS modeling framework. Next to the standard eddy-viscosity based two-equation k-ε model, an extended variant based on the low-Reynolds elliptic relaxation concept (so-called ζ-f model) has been applied too. To investigate the low-Prandtl effects on the heat transfer, series of the turbulent heat transfer models have been applied, ranging from a conventional constant turbulent Prandtl number to a more elaborate k_θ-ε_θ model. The combination of the low-Reynolds ζ-f and k_θ-ε_θ models was explored for the first time in the content of nuclear engineering applications. The focus of the numerical studies is to address in details the effects of low-Prandtl fluid in the strongly forced convection flow (central planar cold jet) in presence of a strong shear (hot co-flow). We demonstrate the importance of the proper specification of the inlet boundary conditions in numerical simulations to mimic correctly experimentally observed asymmetrical distributions of the cross-wise profiles of stream-wise velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and temperature. Finally, the minor differences in results between the assumed constant turbulent Prandtl number and more advanced k_θ-ε_θ model of the turbulent heat flux confirmed the overly dominant mechanisms of the strong convection and molecular diffusion in the present configuration.

@en