Analysis of molten fuel-coolant interaction during a reactivity initiated accident experiment
The results of a reactivity-initiated accident experiment, designated RIA-ST-4, are discussed and analyzed with regard to molten fuel-coolant interaction (MFCI). Extensive amounts of molten UO/sub 2/ fuel and zircaloy cladding were produced and fragmented upon mixing with the coolant. Coolant pressurization up to 35 MPa and overheating in excess of 940 K occurred after fuel rod failure. The initial coolant conditions were similar to those in boiling water reactors during a hot startup. It is concluded that the high coolant pressure recorded in the RIA-ST-4 experiment was caused by an energetic MFCI and was not due to gas release from the test rod at failure, Zr/water reaction, or to UO/sub 2/ fuel vapor pressure. The high coolant temperature indicated the presence of superheated steam, which may have formed during the expansion of the working fluid back to the initial coolant pressure; yet, the thermal-to-mechanical energy conversion ratio is estimated to be only about 0.3%. 46 refs.
- Research Organization:
- Edgerton, Germeshausen and Grier Inc, Idaho Falls, ID
- OSTI ID:
- 5273756
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-811101-
- Journal Information:
- J. Heat Transfer; (United States), Journal Name: J. Heat Transfer; (United States) Vol. 19; ISSN JHTRA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
ACTINIDE COMPOUNDS
ALLOYS
CHALCOGENIDES
FUEL-COOLANT INTERACTIONS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
SIMULATION
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
TIN ALLOYS
URANIUM COMPOUNDS
URANIUM DIOXIDE
URANIUM OXIDES
ZIRCALOY
ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS
ZIRCONIUM BASE ALLOYS