Simulation of Coolant Mixing Experiments at the DTF Stand Using OpenFOAM Code

A loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) is one of the postulated accidents for pressurized water reactors. Thermal and hydraulic shocks that occur when cold water enters metal structures can be dangerous in terms of cyclic thermal stresses and brittle fracture, so it is extremely important to determine the parameters of the coolant in mixing zones using calculation codes. In this study, the OpenFOAM computational code is used to analyze a typical test of a DTF (Downcomer Test Facility) stand, which is carried out at the NPP Department of the National Research University “MPEI”. DTF stand is used to simulate the processes of mixing ECCS water and coolant in the downcomer section of a VVER (Russian-designed pressurized water reactor). Finally, the experimental results were compared with the simulation results. The obtained results are in good agreement with the experimental results.