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U.S. Department of Energy
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Role of ex-vessel interactions in determining the severe reactor-accident source term for fission products. [PWR; BWR]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5870281
The role fission-product release and aerosol generation outside the primary system can have in determining the severe reactor-accident source term is reviewed. Recent analytical and experimental studies of major causes of ex-vessel fission product release and aerosol generation are described. The ejection of molten-core debris from a pressurized-reactor vessel is shown to be a potentially large source of aerosols that has not been recognized in past severe-accident evaluations. A mechanistic model of fission-product release during core-debris interactions with concrete is discussed. Calculations with this model are compared to correlations of experimental data and previous estimates of ex-vessel fission-product release. Predictions with the mechanistic model agree quite well with the data correlations but do not agree at all well with estimates made in the past.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA); Ktech Corp., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5870281
Report Number(s):
SAND-83-0800C; CONF-830816-25; ON: DE83016071
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English