Containment release modes, rainout, and risk

TL;DRAbstract

Reactor containment failure due to overpressurization (from generation of steam and noncondensible gases or hydrogen burning) after a core-melt accident will result in the release of the contents of the containment atmosphere to the environment. This research has addressed the possibility that condensation of some of the steam outside the containment could lead to deposition of a significant fraction of the radioactive material near the plant. Three types of release from the containment are considered: a puff from a large-scale rupture, a jet from a discrete hole, and release from a crack or network of fissures or cracks. The physical details of the exit from the containment is different in each case, possibly leading to a different likelihood of condensation and rainout. Each of these releases has been modeled to the point where the material begins to mix with the ambient air. In addition, the jet release has been modeled from this point through entrainment of ambient air, condensatio

Chat with Paper

AI Agents for this Paper