NSRD-16: Computational Capability to Substantiate DOE-HDBk-3010 Data

Abstract

Safety basis analysts throughout the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex rely heavily on the information provided in the DOE Handbook, DOE-HDBK-3010, Airborne Release Fractions/Rates and Respirable Fractions for Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities, to determine source terms. In calculating source terms, analysts tend to use the DOE Handbook's bounding values on airborne release fractions (ARFs) and respirable fractions (RFs) for various categories of insults (representing potential accident release categories). This is typically due to both time constraints and the avoidance of regulatory critique. Unfortunately, these bounding ARFs/RFs represent extremely conservative values. Moreover, they were derived from very limited smallscale table-top and bench/laboratory experiments and/or from engineered judgment. Thus the basis for the data may not be representative to the actual unique accident conditions and configurations being evaluated. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Dr. Louis F. Restrepo of Atkins NS has provided guidance and review for this project. He is one of the original contributors and reviewers to DOE-HDBK-3010, and both his expertise with DOE-HDBK-3010 and his extensive experience in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility nuclear safety have helped this project significantly. We also thank the summer intern, Ethan T. Zepper, for providing support in the simulations of the pool fire scenario, Dr. John Bignell for assisting the use of Presto code for the impact powder can simulation early in the project, and many of the SIERRA's solid mechanics team for their support, especially Dr.