Visualization of boiling two-phase flow in a tight-lattice 14-rod bandle

Kureta, Masatoshi   

Visualization of 3D and instantaneous void fraction distribution of boiling flow in a tight-lattice 14-rod bundle is conducted by using neutron tomography and high-frame- rate neutron radiography void fraction measurement techniques. The purpose of the experiment is to understand vapor bubbles/water behavior ranging from the onset of boiling to the high void fraction region based on ("3D" + "2D+Time") void fraction data, and to obtain the fine-mesh database for verification of advanced analysis codes. Following phenomena are made clear from the present experiment: Vapor accumulates in the channel center; High void fraction spots appear between adjacent heater rods, that is, in narrow space at the inlet; Void fraction in the triangular space among three rods becomes high by void drift phenomenon, and "vapor chimney" is formed; Flow is intermittent, and vapor bubble clusters are formed periodically; Onset points of net vapor generation are scattered not only in the center but in the peripheral.