Sensitivity analysis of simulated premixed layer and vapour explosion in stratified configuration

• Published in: Nuclear engineering and design 2024-03, Vol.418, p.112908, Article 112908
• Main Authors: Kokalj, Janez, Uršič, Mitja, Leskovar, Matjaž, Meignen, Renaud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fluid mechanics; Fuel–coolant interaction; Mechanics; Nuclear safety; Physics; Premixed layer formation; Sensitivity analysis; Severe accident; Vapour explosion in stratified configuration
• ISSN: 0029-5493; 1872-759X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nucengdes.2024.112908

•Sensitivity analysis on main parameters of model for premixed layer formation in stratified configuration is performed.•Model’s parameters are varied for simulation of premixing and explosion phase with the fuel–coolant interaction code MC3D.•Effects of melt fragmentation rate, melt drops size and ejection velocity for FCI in stratified configuration are discussed. Experiments of fuel–coolant interaction in stratified geometry at the PULiMS and SES (KTH, Sweden) test facilities resulted in spontaneous steam explosions. Prior to the explosion, a premixed layer of ejected melt drops in the water layer was observed in the experiments. Based on the experimental and analytical knowledge, we have recently developed a model for premixed layer formation in the Fuel-Coolant Interaction code MC3D and applied it to estimate steam explosion energetics. In the paper, a sensitivity study of this model is performed on the three main uncertain parameters of the premixed layer formation model, which define the melt fragmentation rate, the size of the ejected melt drops and the ejected melt drop velocity. The analysis is performed against the SES S1 and the PULiMS E6 experimental results. The chosen tests were selected as in both of them the same material was used, the geometry was similar, and both of them resulted in a spontaneous steam explosion. The effects can be observed in all the performed analyses and they are consistent in simulations of both experiments, affecting the premixed layer height as well as the explosion strength and duration. Some uncertainty of the experimental results is assessed, with the main limitation related to the visual observations. The combination of both analyses provides us with the assessment of future work necessity and prioritization. The presented sensitivity analysis of the premixed layer formation model enables a more reliable assessment of the stratified vapour explosion risk and its uncertainty in nuclear power plants and other industries.