CFD analysis of the ITER first wall 06 panel. Part I: Model set-up and flow distribution

The first detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of the FW06 panel of the ITER shielding blanket is presented in two companion papers. In this Part I we introduce the problem, define the model together with its input and discuss the results with particular reference to the hydraulics of the water coolant. The pressure drop across the panel is computed, together with the distribution of the flow among the different channels. Different design options are studied, with particular reference to the minimization of stagnation/recirculation regions.