Numerical studies of the isotope distribution in a gas centrifuge using a tapered, double-parabolic axial flow
Abstract
The isotope distribution in a gas centrifuge was solved by the Rome machine. The axial mass flux was specified to be of double parabolic form, with downflow in the region nearest the outer wall and upflow adjacent to the downflow. The magnitude of the upflow was varied axially to produce a tapered crossflow. Parameters for the axial taper were selected and the feed was selected to maximize the separative work. The numerical error due to the finite difference mesh was investigated. Two radial and five axial meshes were used. The separative works calculated using these meshes are presented, allowing an assessment of the error in the numerical technique. The effect of temperature variation on isotopic distribution was studied. Using a fixed double parabolic axial profile, the temperature was varied in a systematic fashion, which induced local changes in the pressure diffusion and the mass diffusion coefficient. The changes led to variations in the predicted values for separative work.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 5th Intern. Workshop on Gases in Strong Rotation
- Pub Date:
- 1983
- Bibcode:
- 1983gsr..work....5P
- Keywords:
-
- Centrifuges;
- Gas Dynamics;
- Gas Flow;
- Uranium 235;
- Uranium 238;
- Load Distribution (Forces);
- Mathematical Models;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer