Book Description
In a postulated severe accident scenario, a fuel channel in the core of a CANDU reactor becomes blocked and the fuel melts. The molten fuel may be ejected into the surrounding moderator. This report examines the existing literature relevant to the possibility of a fuel coolant interaction under these circumstances. Four experimental studies are identified and discussed in which the initial ejection of molten fuel into coolant approximates the postulated accident scenario. Currently available codes for predicting fuel coolant interaction are also reviewed. Finally, an experimental program is proposed to supplement the existing data base and resolve the probability of a fuel coolant interaction under forced mixing conditions.