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Title: LMFBR safety

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6475685

Several important mechanisms that reduce the consequences of fast reactor HCDA's have been investigated. Tests with both UO/sub 2/ and sodium oxide aerosols have shown that turbulent, high concentration aerosols quickly form large agglomerates. In addition, leak paths through broken or displaced reactor head seals would be rapidly plugged (following a HCDA) by the aerosol debris passing through. Further, most of those aerosols that do pass through would be agglomerated into large size particles, which would fall out in the reactor containment building. UO/sub 2/ has been successfully arc melted and poured onto graphite, concrete, carbon steel, and stainless steel. The molten UO/sub 2/ spread quickly and solidified in a coolable configuration without penetrating the underlying material. Thus, molten fuel resulting from a hypothetical core meltdown would spread out into a thin layer on the reactor cavity floor.

Research Organization:
Rockwell International Corp., Canoga Park, CA (USA). Energy Systems Group
DOE Contract Number:
AT03-76SF74028
OSTI ID:
6475685
Report Number(s):
DOE/SF/74028-T3; ON: DE81026263
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English