Early-Demonstration of BEPU Analysis with the RELAP5-3D Code in Response to Proposed 10 CFR 50.46c Rulemaking
The best estimate plus uncertainty (BEPU) method has become the de-facto standard in the nuclear industry and has been widely used to perform loss of coolant accident (LOCA) analyses. In this work, the BEPU analysis capability is established and demonstrated using the RELAP5-3D code with a reduced set of uncertain parameters. This new analysis capability is established in response to NRC’s proposed new rulemaking on emergency core cooling system (ECCS)/LOCA performance analysis for high burnup fuel. In the new rulemaking, designated as 10 CFR 50.46c, the NRC proposed an equivalent cladding reacted (ECR) criterion as a function of cladding pre-transient hydrogen content. The new rulemaking imposes more restrictive cladding embrittlement criteria and consequently every fuel assembly (and every fuel rod) needs to be analyzed under LOCA conditions to maintain the safety margin and operation flexibility. New analysis methods are required to provide a thorough characterization of the reactor core under LOCA conditions.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-05ID14517
- OSTI ID:
- 1482980
- Report Number(s):
- INL/CON-15-36720-Rev000
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: ICAPP 2016, San Framcisco, 04/17/2016 - 04/20/2016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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