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Against the backdrop of China's ambitious three-step nuclear energy development strategy, encompassing pressurized water reactors (PWR), fast reactors (FR), and fusion reactors (FNR), the purpose of this study is to meet the pivotal need for a specialized sub-channel analysis code tailored to the unique thermal-hydraulic characteristics of liquid metal fast reactors (LMFRs). Building upon the foundational SACOS sub-channel code, the approach involves the seamless integration of LMFR-specific models. These include the wire-wrapped model, turbulent crossflow model, and liquid metal convective heat exchange model. The utilization of advanced computational techniques, such as the SIMPLE algorithm and staggered grid methodology, ensures the completion of accurate sub-channel calculations, establishing SACOS-LMR as a robust code for thermal-hydraulic safety analysis in LMFRs. Validation of the SACOS-LMR code was conducted through a sodium transient experiment involving 37-pin bundles at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The results not only demonstrate a commendable alignment between computed parameters (e.g. temperature distribution, pressure drop) and experimental values but also confirm the code's precision in transient analysis for LMFRs. Applying the validated SACOS-LMR code, an in-depth thermal-hydraulic safety analysis of the European Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (ALFRED) core was conducted. The calculated results are not only reasonable but also exhibit consistency with comparable codes, affirming SACOS-LMR's applicability for LMFR core design and thermal-hydraulic analysis. In conclusion, this research represents a significant step forward in the development of LMFR technology. SACOS-LMR, with its validated capability in both steady-state and transient analysis, stands as a sophisticated and reliable sub-channel analysis tool. It not only supports LMFR core design but also contributes to the broader global pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions in the nuclear energy landscape.