Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VALIDATIO (Validation and verification of SIMMER code model for Lead-lithium water and non-condensable gases chemical interaction)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2021-10-01 do 2023-09-30
The main objectives of VALIDATIO are to first characterize the chemical reactions of Lead-Lithium (PbLi), water, and non-condensable gases, under conditions similar to those expected for the European water cooled lead lithium (WCLL) breeding blanket (BB) under accident conditions and the creation of an experimental database for SIMMER code validation by interacting with the researchers of the University of Pisa, Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI), my host organization and performing series of experiments at the existing experimental facility LIFUS5/Mod3 (Brasimone, Italy) where I will have a secondment period of total 5-6 months. This last part of the work is very challenging since reaction characteristics of Lead-Lithium, water and non-condensable is highly sensitive to thermodynamic conditions of the medium (pressure, temperature, velocity, etc.))and based on obtained experimental data perform the verification and validation of SIMMER code, modification in code for irregularities found in the validation process and perform the safety analysis of WCLL-BB.
The University of Pisa has implemented some of the necessary modifications in the SIMMER code to make the code capable of accurately predicting the accident scenario. Some of these changes relate to the incorporation of the chemical reaction between PbLi eutectic alloy and water. However, the code requires much more verification, validation, and maybe further modifications. The problem is very challenging since the available experimental data for code validation is extremely limited. Only very little useful information is available in the literature; therefore, a dedicated experimental campaign is always highly advantageous for code validation and verification under the accident scenario. This issue is also complicated since the interaction of fluids results in multi-component, multi-phase flow, which is very hard to model.
Objectives and overview of the action:
SO1. To develop an experimental database for SIMMER code validation to be used for safety analysis of European WCLL-BB by performing a series of experiments at the experimental facility LIFUS5/Mod3 (Brasimone, Italy) as part of the secondment period aimed at firstly characterizing the chemical reactions of Lead-Lithium water and non-condensable gases;
SO2. To demonstrate the accuracy and consistency of the SIMMER III code proceeding to its validation and verification, while performing the safety analysis of WCLL breeding blanket;
SO3.To modify SIMMER III code for irregularity in the code model to predict accurate chemical interaction properties of Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases, so that it would provide better results in the safety analysis of European WCLL-BB. These irregularities can be found during the verification and validation process by comparing the code numerical results and experimental values. That can require the implementation of more accurate models concerning the chemical interaction between Lead Lithium and water;
SO4. Enhancing the safety analysis of European WCLL-BB by accurately predicting the chemical interaction properties of Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases numerically in order to demonstrate the safety concerns (which would be used as a reference for other countries like India to perform their TBM design safety analysis).
The University of Pisa has implemented some of the necessary modifications in the SIMMER code to make the code capable of accurately predicting the accident scenario. Some of these changes relate to the incorporation of the chemical reaction between PbLi eutectic alloy and water. However, the code requires much more verification, validation, and maybe further modifications. The problem is very challenging since the available experimental data for code validation is extremely limited. Only very little useful information is available in the literature; therefore, a dedicated experimental campaign is always highly advantageous for code validation and verification under the accident scenario. This issue is also complicated since the interaction of fluids results in multi-component, multi-phase flow, which is very hard to model.
Objectives and overview of the action:
SO1. To develop an experimental database for SIMMER code validation to be used for safety analysis of European WCLL-BB by performing a series of experiments at the experimental facility LIFUS5/Mod3 (Brasimone, Italy) as part of the secondment period aimed at firstly characterizing the chemical reactions of Lead-Lithium water and non-condensable gases;
SO2. To demonstrate the accuracy and consistency of the SIMMER III code proceeding to its validation and verification, while performing the safety analysis of WCLL breeding blanket;
SO3.To modify SIMMER III code for irregularity in the code model to predict accurate chemical interaction properties of Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases, so that it would provide better results in the safety analysis of European WCLL-BB. These irregularities can be found during the verification and validation process by comparing the code numerical results and experimental values. That can require the implementation of more accurate models concerning the chemical interaction between Lead Lithium and water;
SO4. Enhancing the safety analysis of European WCLL-BB by accurately predicting the chemical interaction properties of Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases numerically in order to demonstrate the safety concerns (which would be used as a reference for other countries like India to perform their TBM design safety analysis).
The primary focus of VALIDATIO is to characterize the chemical reactions involving lead-lithium, water, and non-condensable gases, particularly under conditions anticipated in the European water-cooled lead-lithium (WCLL) breeding blanket (BB) during accident scenarios. The research activities within VALIDATIO are geared towards enhancing the understanding of the dynamic interactions in the breeding blanket, providing critical insights into safety considerations for future fusion reactor designs.
The experimental campaign integral to VALIDATIO is made possible through the collaboration and support of the ENEA Brasimone Research Centre during the second part of the VALIDATIO activity, which graciously provides the necessary facilities for the project's success. This collaboration is crucial, enabling the validation and verification of SIMMER code models essential for simulating lead-lithium and water chemical interaction.
In summary, VALIDATIO contributes significantly to advancing our understanding of chemical interactions in fusion reactor systems, particularly within the context of lead-lithium, water, and non-condensable gases. The project's collaboration with the ENEA Brasimone Research Centre and its reliance on experimental campaigns demonstrate a holistic approach toward achieving its objectives. As VALIDATIO progresses, it holds the potential to influence safety considerations in the design and operation of future fusion reactors, contributing valuable knowledge to the broader scientific community.
Overall, the Fellow's prolific research contributions fulfill the project's objectives and underscore the individual's commitment to academic excellence and disseminating impactful research within the academic community. This remarkable productivity is a testament to the Fellow's dedication and the project's success in generating valuable scientific contributions.
The experimental campaign integral to VALIDATIO is made possible through the collaboration and support of the ENEA Brasimone Research Centre during the second part of the VALIDATIO activity, which graciously provides the necessary facilities for the project's success. This collaboration is crucial, enabling the validation and verification of SIMMER code models essential for simulating lead-lithium and water chemical interaction.
In summary, VALIDATIO contributes significantly to advancing our understanding of chemical interactions in fusion reactor systems, particularly within the context of lead-lithium, water, and non-condensable gases. The project's collaboration with the ENEA Brasimone Research Centre and its reliance on experimental campaigns demonstrate a holistic approach toward achieving its objectives. As VALIDATIO progresses, it holds the potential to influence safety considerations in the design and operation of future fusion reactors, contributing valuable knowledge to the broader scientific community.
Overall, the Fellow's prolific research contributions fulfill the project's objectives and underscore the individual's commitment to academic excellence and disseminating impactful research within the academic community. This remarkable productivity is a testament to the Fellow's dedication and the project's success in generating valuable scientific contributions.
The exploitable results of the VALIDATIO project offer a multi-faceted contribution to the advancement of nuclear fusion research. Here a list of the obtained results.
1. Enhanced Understanding of Chemical Interactions: The VALIDATIO project yields exploitable results by significantly advancing our comprehension of chemical reactions involving Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases, particularly within the European water-cooled lead-lithium (WCLL) breeding blanket under accident conditions.
2. Validation of SIMMER Code Models: The project's collaboration with ENEA Brasimone Research Centre enables the validation and verification of SIMMER code models. This outcome is highly exploitable as it enhances the reliability of simulation tools crucial for predicting and understanding chemical interactions in fusion reactor systems.
3. Insights into Safety Considerations: VALIDATIO provides critical insights into safety considerations for future fusion reactor designs. Exploiting these insights ensures the development of more robust safety protocols, contributing to the overall safety and viability of advanced fusion technologies.
4. Collaborative Research Opportunities: The collaboration with ENEA Brasimone Research Centre establishes a foundation for ongoing and future collaborative research efforts. Exploiting this collaboration can lead to additional research initiatives, fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise in nuclear fusion.
5. Contribution to Fusion Reactor Design: The exploitable results from VALIDATIO can directly influence the design and operation of future fusion reactors. By providing a deeper understanding of chemical interactions, the project contributes valuable data that can be incorporated into
1. Enhanced Understanding of Chemical Interactions: The VALIDATIO project yields exploitable results by significantly advancing our comprehension of chemical reactions involving Lead-Lithium, water, and non-condensable gases, particularly within the European water-cooled lead-lithium (WCLL) breeding blanket under accident conditions.
2. Validation of SIMMER Code Models: The project's collaboration with ENEA Brasimone Research Centre enables the validation and verification of SIMMER code models. This outcome is highly exploitable as it enhances the reliability of simulation tools crucial for predicting and understanding chemical interactions in fusion reactor systems.
3. Insights into Safety Considerations: VALIDATIO provides critical insights into safety considerations for future fusion reactor designs. Exploiting these insights ensures the development of more robust safety protocols, contributing to the overall safety and viability of advanced fusion technologies.
4. Collaborative Research Opportunities: The collaboration with ENEA Brasimone Research Centre establishes a foundation for ongoing and future collaborative research efforts. Exploiting this collaboration can lead to additional research initiatives, fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge and expertise in nuclear fusion.
5. Contribution to Fusion Reactor Design: The exploitable results from VALIDATIO can directly influence the design and operation of future fusion reactors. By providing a deeper understanding of chemical interactions, the project contributes valuable data that can be incorporated into