A finite element solution to the generalized Onsager model of fluid flow in a countercurrent gas centrifuge

Thomas, Benjamin R.; Witt, William C.; Paudel, Wisher; Wood, Houston G.

doi:10.1080/01496395.2019.1620276

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…As mentioned previously, the centrifuge fluid dynamics has been studied extensively in literature. For this work, the gas flow field inside the Rome machines was generated using the CurvSOL code developed by Witt [16] and later modified by Thomas [17]. The optimal values of the linear wall temperature, scoop drag force, and the feed rate were combined to simulate the total drive effects in the UF6 gas flow.…”

Section: Splg-2021mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One of the key inputs to the above equation is the mass flux term ߩܸ ௭ , which comes from the solution of the feed gas flow field inside the centrifuge rotor. The centrifuge fluid dynamics has been studied extensively in literature since the 1960s[11] [12] [13] [14][15] [16][17]. The most recently developed finite element solution of the mass flow is utilized to obtain the required axial mass flux term for the diffusion equation above.Two important parameters used to quantify the separation capability of a gas centrifuge are the overall separation factor, ߛ, and the separative work, Δܷ.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Two-dimensional multi-isotope separation in a gas centrifuge using finite element analysis

Paudel

Wood

2022

J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.

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A finite element model of a gas centrifuge is developed to compute the optimal two-dimensional multi-isotope separation. The mass flow field generated using Onsager’s equation without the pancake approximation is used as an input to the diffusion equation for each uranium isotope in the initial form of partial differential equations (PDE). The PDEs are reduced to their weak forms and the resulting integrals evaluated using gauss quadrature. The systems of equations are solved using an optimization routine to satisfy the overall mass and concentration balance inside the machine. The solutions obtained can provide a holistic view of isotopic diffusion inside the centrifuge and the ability to quantify the molecular fraction of various uranium isotopes at a given radial and axial location at any desired initial and operating conditions. While several authors in the past have solved the multi-isotope diffusion problems using 1-D approximations, there are no known 2-D finite element models in literature. The findings of this work, therefore, is not only be significant for the applications of nuclear non-proliferation but also a great analytic tool for nuclear scientific community.

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Section: Splg-2021mentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%