An assessment of ex-vessel fuel-coolant interaction energetics for advanced light water reactors

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Nuclear Technology

OSTI ID:419730

Murphy, J G; Corradini, M L ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison, WI (United States). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics

The occurrence of an energetic fuel/coolant interaction (FCI) below the reactor pressure vessel in the cavity of advanced light water reactors (ALWRs) are analyzed to determine the possible hazard to structural walls as a result of dynamic liquid phase pressures. Such analyses are important to demonstrate that these cavity walls will maintain their integrity so that ex-vessel core debris coolability is possible. Past studies that have examined this or related issues are reviewed, and a methodology is proposed to analyze the occurrence of this physical event using the IFCI and TEXAS models for the FCI as well as dynamic shock wave propagation estimates using hand calculations as well as the CTH hydro model. Scenarios for the ALWRs are reviewed, and one severe accident scenario is used as an example to demonstrate the methodology. Such methodologies are recommended for consideration in future safety studies. These methodologies should be verified with direct comparison to energetic FCI data such as that being produced in KROTOS at the Joint Research Centre, Ispra.

• OSTI ID: 419730
• Journal Information: Nuclear Technology, Journal Name: Nuclear Technology Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 117; ISSN 0029-5450; ISSN NUTYBB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
FUEL-COOLANT INTERACTIONS
MOLTEN METAL-WATER REACTIONS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
RELIABILITY
SAFETY ANALYSIS
WATER COOLED REACTORS