Methods for Detailed Thermal and Hydraulic Analysis of Water-Cooled Reactors

The mathematical models and numerical techniques used far detailed, steady-state, thermal, and hydraulic analysis of water-cooled reactors are critically reviewed. It is concluded that the agreement between prediction and experiment is sufficiently close to validate the general approach. Further improvements in the models for cross flow and two-phase mixing are desirable. Future modeling that specifically accounts for the annular flow pattern at high qualities is suggested.