Fluent Partners With Utah State University In DOE Nuclear Energy Research

Fluent announced its partnership with Utah State University in a Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (NERI) grant for the evaluation and improvement of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) turbulence modeling methods for simulating Generation IV nuclear power plant components. "We have chosen FLUENT as the flow solver due to its widespread use in industry, and due to its having previously been coupled to the nuclear industry standard RELAP5-3D thermal/hydraulics code. In addition, FLUENT makes available a large suite of turbulence models ranging from one-equation eddy viscosity models through full second-moment closures. FLUENT also contains large eddy simulation capabilities, with options for several subgrid scale models," said Robert Spall, Professor of Engineering, University of Utah. Generation IV nuclear reactors are being designed to include unprecedented levels of passive safety systems, to increase fuel utilization, and to operate at higher temperatures, enabling efficient hydrogen generation. The new designs also involve flow physics regimes not originally envisaged by traditional nuclear engineering simulation tools, creating an increased need for CFD software in the nuclear engineering field. The initial phase of the Utah State University project (in collaboration with Fluent Inc. and Idaho National Laboratory) involves an assessment of the ability of large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) closure models available in the CFD solver FLUENT to predict fundamental flows inherent in supercritical-pressure water reactors, gas-fast reactors and very-high temperature reactors. While initial results indicate a favorable level of accuracy, it is anticipated that some improvements can be made in the project's second phase. "We are very excited to be working with Utah State University to build tools that will have an impact on our energy future," said Dave Schowalter, Lead Energy Business Services Engineer at Fluent. "With Fluent providing expert guidance on benchmarking and implementation of turbulence model enhancements, and Utah State bringing their wealth of nuclear engineering experience to the table, the partnership will give a leg up to the next generation of plant designers."