Phase behavior evolution in the interaction of lead–bismuth liquid metal and water

摘要: The vapor diffusion and transport resulting from steam generator tube rupture (SGTR) accidents are a major
concern threatening lead-based reactor core safety. In this study, a high-parameter SGTR experimental platform
and the multiphase multi-physics processes numerical simulation were developed to investigate the phase
behavior and interaction mechanisms. This study revealed the interaction mechanisms of lead–bismuth liquid
metal and water driven by flash vaporization, jet direct contact boiling, and film boiling. The migration and
evolution of the discrete phases (vapor–water mixture) were inferred from the temperature transient laws and
a numerical simulation. The results revealed that the evolution of the discrete phases consists of three stages:
cavity formation, flanking diffusion, and stable up-floating. The jet pressure significantly extended the disturbance
period. Variations in the water temperature mainly affected the decompression boiling process, altering
the diffusion region of the discrete phases. The temperature of the liquid metal and the duration of the jet had a
minimal impact on the behavior of the discrete phases. This study provides a crucial reference for constructing
a complete picture of accident evolution.