Three-dimensional MHD flow and heat transfer in a channel with internal obstacle

The magnetohydrodynamic flow and heat transfer of a liquid metal in a channel past a circular cylinder with walls of non-uniform conductivity were investigated. The applied magnetic field was transversal to the forced flow (x-direction) and coplanar with the obstacle, featuring non-null components in both the z- and y-directions. Moreover, the cylinder was displaced by the duct centreline toward the bottom wall and its surface was at uniform temperature, so that a ΔT was present between the obstacle and the fluid at the inlet. Non-uniform thickness for the duct-bounding walls is considered which leads to the promotion of jets close to the less-conductive surfaces. The flow features and heat transfer for this case were numerically investigated for different values of the Reynolds number (20 ≤ Re ≤ 80) and Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100). Their effects on the flow features, pressure drop and heat transfer are analysed and discussed in detail in the present paper. The additional pressure drop introduced by the cylinder presence is found to be independent by Re and decreasing with Ha. Enhanced heat transfer is observed for an increasing Ha with NuMHD/Nu = 1.25. at Ha = 100 due to the augmented mass flow rate in the bottom sub-channel

Garigliano nuclear power plant: seismic evaluation of the turbine building

The Italian Garigliano Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) started its energy production in 1963. At present it is in the decommissioning stage. In order to get a proper management of the radioactive waste that will be produced during the dismantling operations it has been considered convenient to convert the turbine building of the plant into a temporary waste repository. This decision posed a remarkable seismic safety assessment issue. As a matter of fact, the challenge was to extend, in satisfactory safety conditions, the use of an important facility that has reached the end of its designed lifetime and to have this extended use approved by nuclear safety agencies. In this context many tasks have been accomplished, of which the most important are: (a) a new appraisal of site seismic hazard; (b) the execution of many investigations and testing on the construction materials; (c) the set up of a detailed 3D finite element model including the explicit representation of foundation piles and soil; (d) consideration of soil structure kinematic and dynamic nteraction effects. This paper describes the adopted seismic safety assessment criteria which are based on a performance objectives design approach. While performance based design is the approach currently recommended by European Regulations to manage seismic risk and it is fully incorporated in the Italian code for conventional buildings, bridges and plants, NPP are not explicitly considered. Therefore it was necessary to delineate a consistent interpretation of prescribed rules in order to properly select the maximum and operating design earthquakes on one side and corresponding acceptable limit states on the other side. The paper further provides an outline of the numerical analyses carried out, of the main results obtained and of the principal retrofitting actions that will be realized