FLX: a shell code for coupled fluid-structure analysis of core barrel dynamics. [PWR; BWR]

The coupled fluid-structure dynamics of a light water reactor core support barrel can be calculated by the K-FIX(3D,FLX) and SOLA-FLX codes. The fluid dynamics is described by the three-dimensional, two-fluid code K-FIX(3D) or the two-dimensional, drift-flux code SOLA-DF. The structural dynamics is described by the three-dimensional, elastic shell code FLX. FLX, which uses an explicit finite-difference solution algorithm to solve the shell equations, is explicitly coupled to the fluid-dynamics codes. Motion may be induced by blowdown, prescribed displacement, or seismic action. A sample calculation is provided for verification.