A scenario of the TMI-2 accident

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6796829

Broughton, J M; Tolman, E L; Kuan, P; Petti, D

This article is the first of a series of three Nuclear Safety articles summarizing the major research findings from the TMI-2 Accident Evaluation Program (AEP) being conducted by EG and G Idaho, Inc. for the US Department of Energy. The focal point of the AEP is to develop a consistent understanding of the core damage progression (accident scenario) during the TMI-2 accident. A synopsis of the accident scenario is presented, describing (1) the initial core degradation leading to a noncoolable, consolidated region of core materials, (2) continued heatup of this material, (3) failure of the crust encasing the molten core material and migration of 15--20 metric tons of molten core material to the core bypass and lower head regions, and (4) interaction of the molten core material with the coolant in the lower plenum and with the vessel head. Fission product release from the fuel during the core damage transient is also discussed. The major TMI-2 research findings are summarized and related to the current understanding of severe accidents. 28 refs., 8 figs.

• Research Organization: EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-76ID01570
• OSTI ID: 6796829
• Report Number(s): EGG-M-88249; CONF-881024-13; ON: DE89005414
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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