Vapor Explosion Phenomena with Respect to Nuclear Reactor Safety Assessment
- Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Univ. of Stuttgart (Germany)
Stringent licensing procedures for commercial nuclear reactor operation require an in-depth analysis of the phenomena associated with postulated reactor core overheating accidents. One aspect of nuclear reactor safety assessment is a prediction of the consequences of interaction between molten fuel and coolant, in which rapid heat transfer from the fuel may lead to explosive vaporization of the coolant. Some of the most recent theories relating to vapor explosion research for nuclear reactor safety assessment are critically reviewed and assessed. Specifically, the spontaneous nucleation and pressure detonation models are discussed at length. In addition, modeling of the fragmentation of hot molten fuel upon contact with liquid coolant, and energy considerations for rapid fine-scale intermixing of such fragmented fuel with coolant are discussed in detail.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USNRC
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-07-1570
- OSTI ID:
- 6835455
- Report Number(s):
- TREE--1242; NUREG/CR-0245
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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