Numerical study on the growth characteristics of bubble in a petal-shaped fuel rod channel

Based on the VOF multiphase flow model and bubble growth model, a numerical analysis model of bubble growth of subcooled flow boiling in a petal-shaped fuel rod channel was established. The growth characteristics of a single bubble and the influence of thermal parameters were analyzed. Firstly, the growth rate, shape, and trajectory of the bubble were investigated under typical working conditions. Secondly, the influences of inlet subcooling, inlet velocity, and wall superheat on the bubble growth characteristics were clarified. Finally, the existing bubble growth rate prediction correlation was evaluated based on the results of numerical calculations. The results show that the bubble growth rate is fast at the early stage of bubble growth when the evaporation heat flow from the microlayer plays a major role. With the disappearance of microlayer evaporation, the bubble diameter increases slowly. The bubble diameter decreases continuously when the evaporation heat flow in the overheating layer is less than the condensation heat flow after the bubble lift-off. Compared to the rectangular channel, the bubble diameter in a petal-shaped fuel rod channel has a larger equivalent diameter and more obvious lateral movement. With the increase of inlet flow velocity and inlet subcooling, the total evaporation heat flow of the bubble decreases, while the condensation heat flow increases, which results in the decrease of bubble diameter. The influence of increasing wall superheat on bubble diameter is opposite to that of increasing inlet flow velocity and inlet subcooling. Based on the numerical results, a new prediction correlation for bubble growth rate in a petal-shaped fuel rod channel was developed, whose prediction error is within +/- 20 %. The related research results help to further reveal the subcooled boiling heat transfer mechanism in a petal-shaped fuel rod channel.