Experiments on Melt-Coolant Interaction Processes, including Steam Explosions

摘要

Steam explosions (or vapor explosions) are a safety concern during analysis of LWR core melt accidents that have anrnextremely low probability of occurrence. Conceptually steam explosions might damage safety relevant components ofrnthe plant. Improved analysis tools are being developed for such events in order to better understand their role during thernaccident and to demonstrate larger safety margins where possible. For this, an improved insight into the phenomenarninvolved as well as reliable and relevant experimental data are required. We report here the main results of the PREMIXrnseries of experiments in which the premixing phase of steam explosions was studied. We also report about the very firstrnresults of a new series of experiments, ECO, which serves to measure explosion pressure and mechanical energy releasernin a confined geometry.