What is it about?
This study explores how heat is transferred on curved surfaces, such as those found in nuclear reactor pressure vessels, particularly during severe accident scenarios. Traditional correlations designed for flat surfaces fail to accurately predict these behaviors. By combining experimental data and simulations, the research develops new correlations and provides valuable data for validating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. These findings aim to enhance the safety and reliability of nuclear reactor designs and operations.
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Why is it important?
The study identifies and quantifies key heat transfer behaviors on curved surfaces under various flow regimes, such as laminar, transitional, and turbulent flows. For example, it highlights the influence of buoyancy-driven natural convection in low-flow conditions and forced convection at higher flow rates, with distinct flow separation and recirculation zones impacting heat transfer efficiency. The experimental data supplements CFD validation efforts by capturing detailed parameters, such as heat transfer coefficients and temperature distributions, across these regimes. These insights are critical for improving safety margins and optimizing reactor performance, particularly during severe accident scenarios.
Perspectives
This study paves the way for future advancements in nuclear reactor safety and performance. The detailed experimental data and new heat transfer correlations provide a foundation for refining CFD models and developing more accurate predictive tools. These tools can be applied to optimize reactor designs, enhance safety protocols, and address challenges in severe accident management. Additionally, the insights gained from this research can inspire further exploration of complex flow phenomena and extend to other industrial applications involving curved surfaces, such as heat exchangers and chemical processing equipment. By bridging the gap between experimental findings and computational models, this work supports the ongoing evolution of nuclear energy technologies toward greater efficiency and reliability.
Dr. Yacine Addad
Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Heat transfer correlations for curved downward-facing surfaces in forced and mixed convection regimes, Physics of Fluids, January 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0250537.
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