Reactor Cavity Analysis Under Steam Explosive Conditions by TNT Model

Steam explosion may occur in nuclear power plants by fuel-coolant interactions when the external reactor vessel cooling strategy is failed. This phenomenon can cause shock wave that endangers surrounding reactor cavity wall due to resulting dynamic effects. Even though extensive researches have been performed to predict influences of the steam explosion, due to complexity of physical phenomena and thermal-hydraulic conditions, it is remained as one of possible hazards. The object of this study is to examine characteristics of reactor cavity and nuclear components under representative steam explosion conditions. In this context, an assembled finite element mesh was generated and evaluated by the trinitrotoluene model. As a result, stresses, strains and displacements of the reactor cavity and nuclear components were calculated. Subsequently, crack evaluation of reinforced concrete was performed and their results were discussed.