Flow characteristics in spacer grids measured by rod-embedded fiber laser Doppler velocimetry

Precise measurement of velocity in fuel bundles is required to improve the thermal-hydraulic properties of Pressurerized Water Reactor (PWR) spacer grids. To better understand the cross-flow characteristics in rod bundles for developing spacer grids, we used the rod-embedded fiber laser Doppler velocimetry (rod LDV) to measure the flow velocities inside the spacer grid flow channels. As the result of measurement, we found that the flow distribution inside the spacer grid depends on the local flow resistance of the grid straps and is clearly affected by the presence of a mixing vane. We also clarified the relationship between cross-flow velocity in the fuel bundle downstream of the spacer grid and the axial flow inside the spacer grid.