Vapor explosions: A review of experiments for accident analysis
A vapor explosion is a physical event in which a hot liquid (fuel) transfers its internal energy to a colder, more volatile liquid (coolant); thus the coolant vaporizes at high pressures and expands analyses work on its surroundings. In postulated severe accidents in current fission reactors, vapor explosions are considered if this molten {open_quotes}fuel{close_quotes} contacts residual water in-vessel or ex-vessel because these physical explosions have the potential to contribute to reactor vessel failure and possibly containment failure and release of radioactive fission products. Current safety analyses and probabilistic studies consider this process with the use of explosion models. Eventually these models must be compared with available experimental data to determine their validity. This study provides a comprehensive review of vapor explosion experiments for eventual use in such comparisons. Also, when there are insufficient data, experiments are suggested that can provide the needed information for future comparisons. This view may be useful for light-water-reactor as well as noncommercial reactor safety studies. 115 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.
- OSTI ID:
- 226776
- Journal Information:
- Nuclear Safety, Vol. 32, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: Jul-Sep 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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