TITLE:
Ultrasonic Measurement of Two-Dimensional Liquid Velocity Profile Using Two-Element Transducer
AUTHORS:
Hiroshige Kikura, Naruki Shoji, Hideharu Takahashi, Wongsakorn Wongsaroj
KEYWORDS:
Liquid, Two-Dimensional, Ultrasonic, Velocity
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Flow Control, Measurement & Visualization,
Vol.10 No.1,
January
13,
2022
ABSTRACT: The flow field or multidimensional velocity distribution of the coolant in fuel rod bundles of the reactor core in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) is an important parameter that is revealed through experimental investigations. This paper presents the two-dimensional (2D) velocity profile measurement using a two-element ultrasonic transducer with both elements acting as a transceiver. The size of the transducer is minimized for compactness, leading to a narrow sound field appropriate for applications in fuel rod bundle flow. Furthermore, the transducer’s sound pressure is evaluated via simulations and experimental measurements. In order to confirm the ability of the ultrasonic velocity profiler (UVP) with a two-element transducer, the experimental measurement is conducted in turbulent horizontal pipe flow. The 2D velocity vector profile is obtained, and then the measurement in swirling flow is conducted. The 2D velocity profile in an axial and radial plane is obtained utilizing the UVP measurement. Lastly, the ability of the UVP to derive the 2D velocity profile in the narrow area of the rod bundles is demonstrated.