Tests in support of LMFBR

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 1977-01, Vol.42 (1), p.89-104
• Main Authors: Abrahamson, G.R., Cagliostro, D.J., Florence, A.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/0029-5493(77)90064-4

Tests in support of LMFBR projects for potential incidents involving a hypothetical core disruptive accident or sodium-water interactions in steam generators have two possible goals: (1) to evaluate the integrity of the primary containment after the design is frozen or (2) to investigate design options in support of primary containment design. The test planning approach differs depending on the goal. The Fast Flux Test Facility tests had the first goal, the current Clinch River Breeder Reactor tests have the second goal. This paper discusses test planning, sources for simulating loads, modeling, and instrumentation. The main source described involves controlled venting of explosive gases. The source avoids generation of undesirable shock waves and facilitates calibration because the reaction rate of the explosive is independent of the response. It is indicated that the test program requiring the least time and cost involves a mixture of three types of models: small simple models, small complex models, and large complex models. Instrumentation is discussed that is required for validation of loading, response measurements for comparison with calculations, and response measurements on critical members where predictions are not possible.