Calculations of hydrogen detonations in nuclear containments by the random choice method. [PWR; BWR]

Technical Report · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6745637· OSTI ID:6745637

Delichatsios, M. A.; Genadry, M. B.; Fardis, M. N.

Computer codes which simulate hydrogen detonators in planar, cylindrical, spherical and two-dimensional axisymmetric geometries have been developed. The computational method is based on the Random Choice Technique which can handle accurately sharp discontinuities. The detonation front is represented in the model as a discontinuity which changes the still unburnt gas to a completely burnt one, according to the Chapman-Jouguet conditions. Numerical results for one-dimensional geometries show good agreement with available analytical solutions. The one-dimensional code was modified to include coupling with an elastically deformable wall and the modified version was used to demonstrate that for typical concrete containment structures interaction of the waves with wall deformations has insignificant effects on the wave properties, and can be neglected. The two-dimensional axisymmetric code was used to calculate pressure time histories at the wall of a cylindrical containment capped with a semi-spherical dome. Dimensions were similar to the ones of the containment of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge (USA). Dept. of Civil Engineering
• OSTI ID: 6745637
• Report Number(s): NUREG/CR-2897; ON: DE83900138
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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