Validation of fluent software for prediction of flow distribution and pressure gradients in a multi-branch flow header

Flow headers are commonly used in nuclear reactors, boilers and heat exchangers to distribute fluid to small branches along the body of the header or to combine flow from the branches along the header. Historically, nuclear safety analysis has been performed using one-dimensional averaged system codes, and as such the distribution headers are cross-sectionally averaged. In this paper, flow distribution and pressure gradients along a …