Cooling of molten core material within a pressurised water reactor vessel lower head: Interaction of surface radiation and wall conduction with free convection

Liaqat A., BAYTAŞ A. C.

International Journal of Engineering Science, vol.39, no.18, pp.2089-2102, 2001 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 39 Issue: 18
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0020-7225(01)00044-1
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Engineering Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.2089-2102
  • Keywords: Conjugate free convection, Core debris, Heat removal, Radiation heat transfer, Severe reactor accident, SIMPLER
  • Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The phenomenon of cooling of molten core material inside the lower head of a pressurised water reactor pressure vessel has been analysed numerically. A detailed analysis of interaction of surface radiation and conjugate wall conduction with free convection inside the semi-circular cavity has been presented. The effect of parameters which govern the radiative heat transfer from the pool surface has been investigated. The results show that for a certain set of parameters radiative heat transfer from the pool surface is more efficient than convection towards vessel circular wall. For all the cases considered in the present analysis well-stratified corium pool has been obtained. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.