Evaluation of the RETRAN-3D Wall Friction Models and Heat Transfer Coefficient Correlations

• Published in: Nuclear technology Vol. 142; no. 1; pp. 64 - 76
• Main Authors: Peterson, Craig E., Shatford, John G., Harrison, James F., Agee, Lance J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: La Grange Park, IL Taylor & Francis 01.04.2003; American Nuclear Society
• Subjects: Applied sciences; BOILING; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; ENGINEERING; Exact sciences and technology; Fission nuclear power plants; FORCED CONVECTION; FRICTION; HEAT FLUX; Installations for energy generation and conversion: thermal and electrical energy; LIQUIDS; PRESSURE DROP; R CODES; VAPORS; Two phase flow; thermal hydraulics; Thermohydraulics; pressure drop; Heat transfer coefficient; Pressure loss; Modeling; Heat transfer; Pressurized water reactor; Nuclear reactor
• ISSN: 0029-5450; 1943-7471
• DOI: 10.13182/NT03-A3374

This paper presents an evaluation of many of the RETRAN-3D two-phase pressure drop and heat transfer models by comparing model prediction to a large body of experimental data. RETRAN-3D has been used to evaluate multiple two-phase pressure drop models utilizing an extensive experimental two-phase pressure drop database. The experimental pressure drop data cover both heated and adiabatic tests in upflow and horizontal configurations for a wide range of key parameters such as pressure, mass flux, quality, and pipe diameters. Two RETRAN-3D two-phase friction options and the Friedel two-phase friction model are tested and compared to the data. For the two-phase friction models compared herein, the modified Baroczy model available in RETRAN-3D is the best choice for all adiabatic and diabatic situations. The RETRAN-3D code has also been used to simulate a wide variety of heat transfer experiments. These heat transfer data cover single-phase and two-phase conditions over a large range of pressure, heat flux, and mass flux values. The performance of the RETRAN-3D default forced convection heat transfer coefficient correlations is evaluated. The Petukhov correlations provide comparable results for single-phase liquid, but the Dittus-Boelter model provides markedly better statistics for single-phase vapor. The RETRAN five-equation model that combines the Dittus-Boelter and Thom correlations provides the best overall subcooled and saturated boiling statistics and scatter chart behavior.