Energetics of simulated HCDA bubble expansions: some potential attenuation mechanisms. [LMFBR]

Technical Report · Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1977

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6463683· OSTI ID:6463683

Tobin, R. J.; Cagliostro, D. J.

Experiments conducted to increase the understanding of the dynamics and thermodynamics of expanding bubbles similar to the core disruptive accident (CDA) bubble in liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBR) are described. The experiments were conducted in a transparent 1/30-scale model of a typical demonstration-size loop-type LMFBR in which water at room temperature simulated the sodium coolant. Nitrogen gas (1450 psia) and flashing water (1160 psia) qualitatively simulated sodium vapor and molten fuel expansions. Three physical mechanisms that may result in attenuation of the work potential of a hypothetical CDA (HCDA) were revealed by the experiments: (1) the pressure gradient existing between the lower core and the bubble within the pool, (2) the hydrodynamic effects of vessel internal structures, and (3) the nonequilibrium flashing process occurring in the lower core.

• Research Organization: SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (USA); Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AT03-76SF70097
• OSTI ID: 6463683
• Report Number(s): DOE/SF/70097-T4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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