The effect of truncation error on the numerical prediction of linear stability boundaries in a natural circulation single-phase loop Original Research Article

This paper discusses the effects of truncation error on the stability of natural circulation in a single-phase loop as predicted by finite difference numerical methods. A short description of the characteristics of the selected problem is firstly given, also showing results obtained by a modal solution. Different numerical schemes are applied and the related effect on predicted stability is shown. The results obtained are then discussed in relation to the applicability of thermal–hydraulic system codes in the analysis of fluid-dynamic instabilities in real systems.