Nuclear Science and Engineering · 1987 · 23 citations · 5 references
EngineeringMechanical EngineeringNuclear EngineeringHeat TransferReactor PhysicsThermodynamicsContainment Safety AnalysisExplosion HazardsHeat Transfer In ReactorsReactor Core DesignReactor DesignThermal-hydraulic Safety AnalysisComplianceEnergy ReleaseMechanical ReleasePressure Vessel IntegrityPressurized Water ReactorsSteam ExplosionStructural DeformationStructural Deformation Analysis
Energy partition during the energy release phase of a steam explosion in the lower plenum of a pressurized water reactor is considered. The results indicate that explosions that are energetic enough to be considered challenging to upper vessel head integrity would also fail the lower head, thus drastically reducing the upward directed mechanical energy release. Even for smaller explosions, structural deformation, system compliance, and venting mechanisms strongly affect the logistics of energy partition in favor of dissipation.
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