Full Scope Simulation of Dry Spent Fuel Storage Cask Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of small scale model of TN24P cask was performed by a full scope simulation using computer code ANSYS CFX. The objective of developing small scale model is to understand the sensitivities of various parameters and to establish the analysis methodology to minimize the computational load. Another objective of analysis is to predict the accurate peak clad temperature (PCT). The sensitivity study predicts the efficient heat transfer by avoiding porous media approach during full scope simulation and also predicts the solution independent of grid sizes variation, change of discretization scheme and level of precisions. The variations in temperature results are same when compared with another CFD based code FLUENT. Peak clad temperature (PCT) is found in the permissible range (PCT < 400 degrees C) defined in sensitivity study. In present study, calculated peak clad temperature is 263.9 degrees C while the predicted peak clad temperature by using FLUENT code is 263.7 degrees C. Percentage error in solutions by using two different codes is less than 0.5%. CFD analysis of spent fuel storage cask is performed to validate and compare results with performed analysis using computer code COBRA-SFS.