Design Optimization of a T Mixing Vane in Nuclear Fuel Assembly

초록

The purposes of present work are to analyze the convective heat transfer with three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes analysis, and to optimize shape of the mixing vane using the analysis results. PLUS7 that is designed by KNF and Westinghouse is used as reference geometry. Shear stress transport turbulence model is used as a turbulence closure. Two bend angles of mixing vane are selected as design variable. The objective function is defined as a combination of inverse of heat transfer rate and friction loss. Response surface method is employed as an optimization technique. The calculation domains of 1Χ2 geometry are analyzed with translational and rotational periodic boundary conditions which take flow directions into account. The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics have been explained through velocity vectors, streamlines and Nusselt numbers. The results show that the optimized geometry improves the heat transfer performance of the mixing vane with a relatively small pressure drop increment and has higher Critical Heat Flux.