Overview of BWX Technologies' Thermal Hydraulic and Flow Induced Vibration Engineering
BWXT, with over 50 years of expertise in nuclear equipment research and design, offers a robust suite of capabilities in thermal-hydraulic analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and flow induced vibration (FIV) and wear analysis. Utilizing proprietary software developed specifically by BWXT and the latest commercially available software for CFD analysis and heat exchanger design, engineers at BWXT can tackle various thermal-hydraulic challenges related to steam generators, heat exchangers, piping, and other process systems.
Applications of BWX Technologies' Capabilities
The applications of BWXT's capabilities include thermal-hydraulic analysis of steam generators and heat exchangers to evaluate the impact of changes in operating conditions or aging factors such as fouling and deposition. Additionally, CFD analysis is conducted to understand flow patterns, pressure drops, and thermal stratification in vessel features or systems for design analysis and degradation assessment. Flow induced vibration analysis helps in determining susceptibility to vibration and tube wear in steam generator tubes and heat exchangers considering aging effects, modifications, or changes in operational conditions.
Capability and Tools in Thermal Hydraulic Analysis
BWXT's thermal-hydraulic analysis toolbox includes a range of proprietary software validated by BWXT, as well as commercial tools like ANSYS® CFX® for general CFD analysis and HTRI XistTM for heat exchanger thermal analyses. The proprietary software encompasses one-dimensional and three-dimensional thermal-hydraulic codes for steam generator performance, circulation analysis, and linear and non-linear FIV and tube wear analyses. Ensuring quality, the software used for nuclear safety-related contracts meets the stringent requirements of ASME NQA-1 under BWXT's QA Program.