PIV measurements of the flow patterns in a CANDU-6 model

Abstract

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of the flow patterns in a pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) were made in a 1/4 scaled-down model of the Canadian deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactor. Archimedes' number (Ar) was introduced to evaluate the dynamic similarities between the isothermal (Ar = 0) and heating conditions. Small and large PIV fields of view were used to measure the overall flow field. Flow patterns were analyzed by measuring the spatial velocity distributions and the impingement positions of the inlet jet. The momentum-dominated flow patterns were measured under isothermal conditions (Ar = 0). The impingement position bias increased as Ar increased due to buoyancy effects. The overall moderator circulation characteristics were explored for various Ar values up to 0.157. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved