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Transient energy transfer by conduction and radiation for a sudden contact between molten UO/sub 2/ and sodium

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5010399· OSTI ID:5010399

The transient energy transfer following a sudden contact between molten UO/sub 2/ and sodium has been investigated, taking into consideration both conduction and internal thermal radiation in UO/sub 2/. Analytical expressions for the contact-interface temperature valid for small times are derived. Illustrative calculations indicate that on a time scale relevant to fuel-coolant interactions, internal radiation of molten UO/sub 2/ should have an insignificant effect on the contact-interface temperature between molten UO/sub 2/ and sodium. It thus appears that for the purpose of assessing the potential for an explosive fuel-coolant interaction, the contact-interface temperature may be adequately determined based on consideration of pure conduction.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., Ill. (USA); Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
5010399
Report Number(s):
ANL-78-34
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English