Implementation of algebraic turbulent heat flux into Reynolds stress transport model and simulation of crossing tube bundles

Lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) is an excellent coolant for fast reactors, owing to its high boiling point and high thermal conductivity. Turbulent heat transfer is a complex phenomenon, and the numerical heat transfer of LBE is constrained by its extremely low Prandtl number. Conventional Reynolds analogy method fails to exactly describe the turbulent heat flux (THF) in the energy equation. Therefore, this paper implements the algebraic turbulent heat flux model into the Reynolds stress transport (RST) model within CFD program. The accuracy of this model was verified using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data. Furthermore, the model was employed to predict the flow heat transfer of LBE cross tube bundles, from which a heat transfer correlation was fitted. The potential application of this model in the nuclear industry is discussed. This work provides a new numerical method for the design and safety analysis of liquid metal-cooled fast reactors.