Thermal Analysis of a Proposed Isotope Irradiation System at Darlington NGS

Abstract

The thermal response of a proposed isotope irradiation system at Darlington NGS was analyzed using computational fluid dynamics during various modes of normal operation. Multiphase, turbulent flow simulations were performed using STAR-CCM+. The system was subjected to nuclear heating and moderator cooling within the calandria vessel. Contact resistance theory was applied to major component contacts. Sensitivity analyses on the various modelling assumptions relevant to component heat-up were performed. Benchmarking of the CFD results against the results of a test rig was also performed, showing good agreement between observations and model predictions.