Understanding the acoustics of CANDU fuel channels

This paper discusses the solution of the mass and momentum equations for a fluid in which acoustic oscillations may be excited. The solution method described is the method of characteristics. A number of parametric studies are described for a relatively simple pipe geometry, focussing on acoustic and hydraulic problems associated with two interconnected pipes of different diameter. For the acoustic study, a set of rules or criteria is described to help explain the resonant or non-resonant behaviour of the composite system. These rules should be generally applicable for the boundary conditions assumed. For the hydraulic study, the pipe friction factor and diameter are identified as key parameters affecting wave amplification, dominating the effect of fluid flow velocity. (author) 6 refs., 17 figs