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Title: Assessment of possible consequences of a hypothetical reactivity accident associated with a {open_quotes}Topaz-2{close_quotes} spacecraft reactor entering water

Journal Article · · Atomic Energy (New York)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02408105· OSTI ID:443782

An accident analysis for a Russian Topaz-2 nuclear reactor is summarized. The accident scenario involves emergency return from orbit, severe damage to reactor structural elements, and subsequent falling of the reactor core into the ocean. The thermionic converter reactor, used in spacecraft, has a large neutron leakage which decreases when water enters the inner core cavity. Preliminary results of numerical modeling, summarized in the article, show that the possible consequences of the hypothetical accidental submersion are limited. 8 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.

OSTI ID:
443782
Journal Information:
Atomic Energy (New York), Vol. 76, Issue 6; Other Information: PBD: Dec 1994; TN: Translated from Atomnaya Energiya; 76: No. 6, 465-470(Jun 1994)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English