CFD model of L-STAR/SL loop - GoFastR project

The L-STAR facility (built in Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) is devoted to the evaluation of thermal-hydraulics of fuel rod cooling using pressurized gas. To compare experimental data with calculations using the Computational Fluid Dynamics approach, the L-STAR facility will be used for the qualification of CFD codes with respect to the ALLEGRO thermal-hydraulic design requirements. The subject of this paper is to present the results of the benchmark activities, which were carried out within the framework of the GoFastR project and performed using the CFD code Ansys FLUENT. In order to verify and validate the results, L-STAR experimental data were used. Performed calculations were focused in detail on the evaluation of the various flow regimes. Application of the model allows using various values of heating power of the heated rod depending on the chosen scenario. All scenarios were performed as steady-state calculations.