Theoretical and Experimental Study on Natural Circulation Relevant to Nuclear Heating Reactor

This paper presents a one-dimensional theoretical model for describing the steady state flow and heat transfer processes of single-phase natural circulation flow. By mean of experimental investigation, the relationship of flow resistance and flow rate is obtained, and then utilized to acquire an accurate computation model. The response behaviors of thermal-hydraulic parameters varied with the heating power are also observed. The expression of resistance and flow rate is attained as ΔP ∝ G^1.40, and the relationship between flow rate and heating power is G ∝ Q^0.38. Experimental results show good agreements with the theoretical model. Moreover, the influence of flow resistance in the core inlet is studied.