Numerical Investigation of Quench Front Propagation Characteristics During Reflooding in Rectangular Narrow Channels

Abstract

Abstract. This study employs the volume of fluid (VOF) method coupled with the Lee model to numerically investigate quench front propagation during reflooding in a rectangular narrow channel. To reduce computational consumption, we propose a spatial temperature gradient method for locating the rewetting location and computing the rewetting rate. By comparing simulated rewetting rates with the experimental data, we determine the optimal mass transfer coefficient (coeff) in the Lee model. We then systematically explore the effects of inlet water subcooling (ΔTsub), inlet water velocity (uin), and initial wall temperature (Tw,ini) on quench front propagation. Simulation results indicate that increased ΔTsub enhances the phase change driving force, suppresses vaporization, weakens steam entrainment, and consequently increases the rewetting rate. Higher uin destabilizes the vapor film and intensifies turbulent transport, synergistically promoting a gradual increase in rewetting rate with an accelerating trend. Elevated Tw,ini significantly inhibits rewetting due to steam thermal boundary barrier formation, though steam generation saturation in high-temperature regions and radiation effects gradually mitigate the decreasing trend of rewetting rate. Additionally, we establish a correlation for the rewetting rate in rectangular narrow channels, demonstrating good agreement with simulation results and prediction errors within 10%.