Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Computational fluid dynamics; Gravitational heat pipes; Porous media model; Research reactor; Volume of fluid; Wettability

Abstract

"A computational analysis of thermal-hydraulic processes in nuclear reactor systems is performed, leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to advance the design and ensure the safety of nuclear reactors. Divided into two primary sections, the initial part examines thermal-hydraulic behavior in the Replacement Research Reactor (RRR) operating at 20 megawatts and evaluates potential enhancements for the Missouri University of Science and Technology Reactor (MSTR) to operate at an increased capacity of 2 megawatts from the existing 0.2 megawatts. Detailed simulations reveal insights into flow characteristics, temperature distributions, and pressure drops, highlighting the effective use of realistic and porous media modeling techniques for different reactor configurations. The second study investigates the complex flow dynamics of liquid-gas medium in sealed vessels across superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic wettability conditions. Employing CFD simulations alongside the VOF method with sharp interface accuracy, the study examines how factors such as contact angle, channel diameter, gravity, and viscosity influence flow patterns and blockages in closed environments. Results show that surface wettability and channel diameter significantly influence fluid behavior, with gravity variations further affecting flow dynamics in adiabatic, closed systems, offering insights for engineering design optimization. This comprehensive computational study explains the thermal-hydraulic processes in nuclear reactors and closed fluid systems, employing advanced CFD techniques to enhance design and safety" -- Abstract, p. iv

Advisor(s)

Usman, Shoaib

Committee Member(s)

Newkirk, Joseph William
Alam, Syed B.

Department(s)

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science

Degree Name

M.S. in Nuclear Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2024

Pagination

xi, 72 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 34, 65 & 71)

Rights

©2024 Mehedi Hasan Tusar , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12414

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