The effect of truncation error on the numerical prediction of linear stability boundaries in a natural circulation single-phase loop

This paper discusses the effects of truncation error on the stability of natural circulation in a single-phase loop as predicted by finite difference numerical methods. A short description of the characteristics of the selected problem is firstly given, also showing results obtained by a modal solution. Different numerical schemes are applied and the related effect on predicted stability is shown. The results obtained are then discussed in relation to the applicability of thermal-hydraulic system codes in the analysis of fluid-dynamic instabilities in real systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.