Dissertations and Theses

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Masahiro Kawaji

Second Advisor

Feridun Delale

Keywords

TCR, Reactor, Core, Gas-Cooled, Pressure-vesse, Nitrogen, high-pressure, elecric-heaters

Abstract

The Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) represents a significant advancement in nuclear reactor technology, taking into consideration modularity, efficiency, and safety. This study explores the coupling between thermal behavior and the coolant gas flow behavior of the TCR’s 3D-printed ceramic core under various operating conditions. Using nitrogen as a coolant, experiments were performed at pressures ranging from 20.4 bar to 40.8 bar (300 to 600 psi) and temperatures from 100°C to 300°C. The main parameters including gas inlet and outlet temperatures, the TCR wall temperature at the inlet and outlet, and flow rates, were analyzed to evaluate heat transfer efficiency and system stability. Results indicate that higher pressures improve thermal conductivity, while increased flow rates improve heat dissipation but reduce residence time. Stable Pressure Vessel (PV) wall temperatures across all conditions confirm effective insulation. These findings validate the TCR’s potential for high-efficiency, high temperature applications, providing a foundation for its deployment in next-generation nuclear systems.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.