Three-dimensional CFD simulations to study the effect of impeller geometry on internal flow field in ADS upward spiral flow target

The relationship between flow field characteristics and geometrical structures is an important issue in designing liquid metal spallation target for accelerator-driven sub-critical system (ADS). Upward spiral flow target (USFT) is a new type ADS windowless target in which an impeller is employed to generate upward spiral flow and regulate internal flow field. The impeller comprises a central shaft and several identical blades, and its geometry is very crucial for designing the target. In this paper, series models with different geometric parameters of the shaft and the blades are simulated by ANSYS CFX to analyse the distributions of internal flow field and the dimensions of stagnation zone in USFT. The results show that the shaft plays a primary role in guiding the upward flow while the blades are significant for generating the spiral flow. Finally, an optimized model with preferred geometric parameters is obtained by comparing the overall simulation results. The whole research has foundational signification for further studying USFT.