Fluid dynamics and heat transfer methods for the TRAC code. [PWR; BWR]

A computer code called TRAC is being developed for analysis of loss-of-coolant accidents and other transients in light water reactors. This code involves a detailed, multidimensional description of two-phase flow coupled implicitly through appropriate heat transfer coefficients with a simulation of the temperature field in fuel and structural material. Because TRAC utilizes about 1000 fluid mesh cells to describe an LWR system, whereas existing lumped parameter codes typically involve fewer than 100 fluid cells, new highly implicit difference techniques are developed that yield acceptable computing times on modern computers. Several test problems for which experimental data are available, including blowdown of single pipe and loop configurations with and without heated walls, have been computed with TRAC. Excellent agreement with experimental results has been obtained.