MSc thesis student: High resolution simulation of heat transfer in sub-channel
geometry
Background
The Nuclear Research and consultancy Group (NRG) is actively involved in several
research projects in the nuclear field. A significant effort is dedicated to the
investigation and development of cutting-edge methodologies that can be
beneficial for the nuclear engineering community. One application is the high
resolution simulation of heat transfer in a sub-channel geometry. Understanding
the heat transfer from fuel rods to coolant is essential in efficient and safe
operation of nuclear power plants.
Research Proposal
The proposed research will be part of NRG’s HIRES-X project. This project is a
joint collaboration between NRG, TU Delft, Penn State University and
Westinghouse. Its overall objective is the validation of high resolution
simulation codes such as CaNS (developed by TUD) and Briscola (developed by
NRG), and to compare performance against more established codes such as
Nek5000/NekRS and OpenFOAM. This MSc. thesis project will deal with the OpenFOAM
part, using the RKSymFoam solver developed by UPC and NRG
(https://github.com/janneshopman/RKSymFoam).
The main goal is to perform simulation of heat transfer in sub-channel geometry
using OpenFOAM. To this end, suitable simulation cases must be defined in
agreement with other project partners. Next, the RKSymFoam solver must be
extended to include the energy equation. Furthermore, further optimization of
the efficiency of selected Runge-Kutta time integration scheme is foreseen. As a
third step, appropriate meshes should be generated that are designed to
accurately capture the relevant length scales. Finally, simulations are
performed and accuracy is measured with as reference both very high resolution
Nek5000 simulation data and established correlations from the literature
(Dittus-Boelter).
The project location will be at the NRG|Pallas site in Petten, near Alkmaar, the
Netherlands. NRG offers a monthly allowance as well as compensation for housing
and transportation for the period of your stay.
Objectives/Results
• Literature review on high-resolution simulation of heat transfer in
channel, duct and/or sub-channel geometry
• Implementation and validation of the energy equation in RKSymFoam
• Optimization of the efficiency of selected Runge-Kutta time integration
scheme(s)
• Simulation of heat transfer in selected sub-channel geometries for a
range of meshes
• Assessment of results and comparison with reference data and
correlations
Your profile
• MSc. student in applied science, with specialization in computational
fluid mechanics
• Good knowledge of turbulence modelling and numerical methods
• Required computer experience: Linux, Windows, Python, C/C++, Git
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• An interest in scientific research and publication
• Creativity, independence, dedication, and good communication and social
skills
• MSc thesis student from within the EU.
Our offer
• A challenging thesis project to be executed within a successful team
with an informal atmosphere and an excellent reputation
• Strong support from enthusiastic members of the CFD team
• Monthly allowance/stipend
• Housing and transportation compensation for the period of stay
Contact details and for more information
Dr.ir. Akshat Mathur
mathur@nrg.eu
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