Physico-statistical approach to assess the core damage variability due to a total instantaneous blockage of SFR fuel sub-assembly

Analysis of the Total Instantaneous Blockage accident consequences in the innovative inherently-safe CADOR SFR core

“…BETINa (French acronym for "BouchagE Total Instantané d'un assemblage de RNR-Na") is a fast-running tool developed in 2012 at CEA aiming at simulating a TIB transient occurring in a SFR. For validation purpose, simulation results were compared against SCARABEE tests results [14,15] in [13]. As more details can be found in [13], this section only aims at briefly recalling the modelling implemented in the tool.…”

“…For validation purpose, simulation results were compared against SCARABEE tests results [14,15] in [13]. As more details can be found in [13], this section only aims at briefly recalling the modelling implemented in the tool.…”

“…Another 0D modelling involving thermal balances written on each separated pool (steel and fuel) is considered. The main physical assumptions (validated on past experimental works) are exhaustively listed in [13]. Let's remind here that the pools are surrounded by their own crust, and that according to the characteristics of the pool, convective heat transfer coefficients are deduced from experimental correlations such as Bernaz [19], Alvarez [20] and Greene [21].…”

“…The propagation phenomenology may be driven by thermal or hydrodynamic mechanisms (or both) [13]. This highly depends on the pressure differential applied on each side of the hexcan before its failure.…”

“…Such physical tools were created to simulate Loss Of Flow [9,10], OverPower Transients [11], Disruptive Core Accidents expansion phases [12] and, more specifically in the scope of this paper, TIB transients [13]. As the CADOR core is intrinsically characterized by an enhanced Doppler effect in transient conditions, it is safer than more conventional cores regarding loss of flow or overpower transients.…”