Large Eddy simulation on the Lead-Bismuth Eutectic jet at reactor core outlet

The Lead-Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) Cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) represents a promising Generation-IV technology, anticipated to offer a sustainable, safe, and clean energy solution. LBE fluid from LFR assemblies varies in temperature, causing violent temperature oscillations during the jet mixing that may contribute to structural fatigue, threatening LFR safety. This study focuses on investigating the critical thermal–hydraulic phenomena occurring at the core outlet of the LFR by modeling the assembly head in a realistic reactor configuration. Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is employed to explore the LBE jet characteristics in a three-head model with varying inlet parameters. The analysis includes the fluctuation patterns of both the flow and temperature fields downstream of the assembly head. The results show that the influence area of the assembly head is mainly in the range of about 0–175 mm downstream of the outlet of the assembly head. The temperature fluctuation frequency is the highest near the assembly head, typically within 20 Hz, and the temperature fluctuation frequency in other areas is lower. These findings provide valuable insights for designing LFRs and understanding the flow and heat transfer behavior of liquid metals.