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Multiphysics modelling of the ARC Breeding Blanket – Part II: thermal-hydraulics
keywords CFD, ENERGY, MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS, MODELICA, MOLTEN SALTS, MULTIPHYSICS, NEUTRONICS, NUCLEAR, NUCLEAR FUSION, SYSTEM MODELLING, SYSTEM-LEVEL MODELLING
Reference persons SANDRA DULLA, ANTONIO FROIO
Research Groups NEMO (Nuclear Engineering MOdelling) group (PoliTo)
Description The ARC reactor is a proposed concept of high-field fusion reactor under investigation at MIT. Its Breeding Blanket (BB) will be based on a non-conventional approach, as it will have a liquid immersion BB made of molten salt (FLiBe with 90 % 6Li enrichment), containing the Vacuum Vessel (VV). The same salt will also be used as coolant for the other components, such as the VV and the divertor. Inside the Blanket tank, the neutrons coming from the fusion reactions taking place in the plasma will interact with the lithium in the salt to produce tritium.
The modelling of such a complex system requires the analysis of different physical phenomena, such as the effect of the magnetic field on the fluid flow (MHD), the propagation of neutrons in the salt and the natural convection due to the power generation inside the salt caused by nuclear reactions.
The aim of the present proposal is to develop a thermal-hydraulic model of the ARC molten salt BB and to couple it to a neutronic model. The TH model should include a 3D CFD/MHD model and a 1D system-level MHD model developed with the Modelica language. The two models should be coupled in order to solve transient simulations together. The 3D model should take into account both the MHD effects and the natural convection in the tank, whereas the 1D model should consider MHD pressure drop and heat transfer for the cooling channels.
See also arc_th.pdf http://www.nemo.polito.it/teaching/thesis_proposals/master_thesis/nuclear_fusion_technology
Deadline 17/09/2020
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA