This paper compares two methodologies for estimating the flow loads on the shroud of a typical BWR caused by a Recirculation Outlet Line Break. First, assuming an ideal and irrotational flow field, the complex potential methodology is used to calculate a two dimensional approximation of the flow field by ignoring variations along the radial direction. As a simplification for the comparative study the annulus will be assumed to be devoid of any structural components such as the jet pumps. The flow field derived from the potential flow approach will be used to compute the total lateral and moment loads acting on the shroud. These load values will be compared against similar values derived from a three dimensional and more realistic flow field computed by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
The potential flow based method is computationally simpler as compared to the more time consuming CFD approach.
