Review of research using analogy concept for thermal hydraulic and severe accident experiments

This paper introduces the experimental method of using mass transfer systems for heat transfer studies based on the analogy between heat and mass transfer. The copper electroplating system, composed of copper electrodes submerged in an aqueous solution of H₂SO₄ and CuSO₄, is employed as the mass transfer system. The cupric ions transferred from anode to cathode simulate heat transfer. Applications of the experimental method are presented regarding the natural convection of the oxide pool in the IVR-ERVC (In-Vessel Retention and External Reactor Vessel Cooling) and the highly buoyant mixed convective flow conditions of the RCCS (Reactor Cavity Cooling System). The experimental method is extended to two phase flows using the reduced hydrogen at the cathode simulating the vapor bubbles. Some experiments simulating the CHF (Critical Heat Flux) problems are introduced. The paper aims at introducing the analogy experimental methodology as the preliminary quantitative experimental tools.