Publications Details

An equation of state formulation for Hicks-Menzies FCI (fuel-coolant interaction) efficiencies

Cline, D.D.; Pong, L.T.; Beck, D.F.; Berman, M.

Energetic fuel-coolant interactions may occur in a nuclear reactor in the event that molten fuel comes in contact with the reactor coolant water. Reliable mechanistic models of these interactions have yet to be developed and so relatively simple thermodynamic models have been proposed for estimating the conversion of thermal energy to mechanical work. The present paper outlines a generalized thermodynamic model for fuel-coolant interactions which accounts for variable thermodynamic properties as well as the effect of latent heat in the fuel. The variable property model is shown to provide an upper bound (most conservative) estimate of the conversion efficiency compared to other formulations appearing in the literature. 7 refs., 5 figs.