Computational fluid dynamics analysis for spacer grid design

With the computational fluid dynamics technique, the flow around mixing vane of spacer grid were simulated. The experimental data for the subchannel of 5x5 rod bundles of KOFA was used for the benchmarking of the calculation. Even though the calculation results somewhat overpredict for the pressure loss and turbulent intensity, the comparison between the experiment and the prediction shows that CFD technique is applicable for a conceptual design of spacer grid. It is found that effective design and development of an advanced spacer grid can be achieved when the CFD technique incorporates into the test process. (author)