Numerical predictions of crossing-flow characteristics of a supercritical fluid in parallel circular ducts with a narrow rectangular channel at isothermal condition

Takase, Kazuyuki; Misawa, Takeharu; Yoshida, Hiroyuki  ; Mori, Hideo*

Numerical analyses of crossing flows between two parallel circular channels were conducted for a specific geometry that simply modeled subchannels in a fuel bundle of a supercritical water reactor. The two parallel circular channels were connected by a rectangular channel in the axial direction. Crossing flow occurred in the rectangular channel and was caused by differences in temperatures of fluids flowing in the two channels. The working fluid was supercritical Freon. The SST turbulence model was chosen for precisely calculating the boundary layers of temperature and velocity near the channel walls. From the analytical results, relations between crossing flow and fluid temperature were clarified quantitatively.