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Fission-product source terms measured during fuel-damage tests in the Power Burst Facility. [PWR; BWR]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6745744
Fission-product release from light-water-reactor-type fuel rods to the coolant was measured during eight fuel damage tests in the Power Burst Facility. On-line gamma spectroscopic measurements of short-lived fission products, and important aspects of fission product behavior observed during the tests, are discussed. The fission-product source terms were found to be very time-dependent, requiring 1 to 3 hours for equilibrium levels to be established. Estimates of the release rate constants generated during certain tests are provided. A comparison is made between calculated and measured release signatures for selected isotopes. Iodine behavior is discussed, and fuel fracturing is identified as a strong release mechanism that may substantially contribute to fission product source terms during light-water-reactor accidents where the core is damaged but the fuel does not melt.
Research Organization:
EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-76ID01570
OSTI ID:
6745744
Report Number(s):
EGG-M-03482; CONF-820802-33; ON: DE83000409
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English