An evaluation of the failure of a PWR lower head during a core meltdown accident
This paper presents an analysis of the failure of lower vessel head during a core meltdown accident. The analysis is limited to PWR systems with no penetration tubes attached to the lower vessel head. The case considered is characterized by a small quantity of corium and a relatively slow discharge into the lower plenum. The assumption of the breakup of the jet stream results in the solidification of debris particles and the formation of a debris bed thermally attacking the lower head wall. Detailed analyses were performed to determine the debris/water interaction, ablation of the lower head wall, and the time of vessel failure. Parameters which have significant effect on the results were identified. Parametric studies were performed to reflect uncertainties associated with the various phenomenological processes occurring during corium relocation into the lower head.
- Research Organization:
- Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-76CH00016
- OSTI ID:
- 10134372
- Report Number(s):
- BNL-NUREG--47179; CONF-920903--2; ON: DE92010177
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
210200
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900
CORIUM
FAILURES
HEAT TRANSFER
HYDRAULICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MELTDOWN
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
POWER REACTORS
NONBREEDING
LIGHT-WATER MODERATED
NONBOILING WATER COOLED
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR INTERNALS
REACTOR SAFETY
REACTOR VESSELS