Numerical study on thermal-hydraulic characteristics of lead-bismuth loop system under moving conditions

The investigation of flow and heat transfer of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) under moving conditions is vital to the design optimization of LBE loop system in offshore engineering. In this paper, we have developed a method for simulating moving conditions using sliding mesh. Moreover, we have conducted experiments to validate the numerical model, and the comparison results demonstrate a good agreement between them. The calculation results demonstrate that the period of the flow rate fluctuation is consistent with the motion period, and the amplitude of the fluctuation will increase with the increase of the maximum range of motion and the decrease of the motion period. In addition, the influence of rolling on system parameters is more severe than that of heaving. These results obtained in this study have important engineering application value for the design of LBE loop system under moving conditions.

Automated summary

In this study, the flow and heat transfer of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) under moving conditions were investigated using a sliding mesh method. Experimental validation was conducted, showing good agreement with the numerical model. The results reveal that the flow rate fluctuation is consistent with the motion period, with the amplitude increasing as the maximum range of motion increases and the motion period decreases. Rolling has a more severe influence on system parameters compared to heaving.