ENRICO FERMI SHIELD-PLUG RESPONSE TO A 1,000 LB TNT ACCIDENT

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1963 · Exptl. Mech.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02325871· OSTI ID:4064343

Wise, W R

Access to the sodium cooled core of the 100 Mw fast breeder reactor is provided by a 143 ton shield plug. The maximum credible nuclear accident for the Fermi reactor has been postulated not to exceed in violence the detonation of 1000 lb of TNT at the core location. Scaled charges of TNT (cased in molten sodium) were detonated in idealized models of the Fermi reactor. The results of the experiments together with available theory indicate that the accident would be contained in the reactor shielding complex but that the 143 ton shield plug, if unimpeded, might be propelled through the roof of the containment building. In response to the findings of this extensive study, the Fermi reactor will be equipped with an arrester that will prevent a hazardous plug jump in the unlikely event of a nuclear accident. (TCO)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-18-015560
• OSTI ID: 4064343
• Journal Information: Exptl. Mech., Journal Name: Exptl. Mech. Vol. Vol: 3
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
ANALOG SYSTEMS
BREEDING
BUILDINGS
EXPLOSIONS
EXPLOSIVES
FAST NEUTRONS
LIQUID METAL COOLANT
MEASURED VALUES
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
REACTOR CORE
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
SHIELDING
SODIUM
TESTING
TNT
TOLUENE