Conceptual design of an in-vessel core catcher

J. L. Rempe, D. L. Knudson, K. G. Condie, K. Y. Suh, F. B. Cheung, S. B. Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

An enhanced in-vessel core catcher is being designed and evaluated as part of a joint United States (US)-Korean International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (INERI) investigating methods to insure retention of materials that may relocate to the lower head of a reactor vessel under severe accident conditions in advanced reactors. This enhanced core catcher design consists of several interlocking sections that are machined to fit together when inserted into the lower head. Each section of the core catcher consists of two material layers with an option to add a third layer (if deemed necessary): a base material, which has the capability to support and contain the mass of core materials that may relocate during a severe accident; an insulator coating material on top of the base material, which resists interactions with high-temperature core materials; and an optional coating on the bottom side of the base material to prevent any potential oxidation of the base material during the lifetime of the reactor. This paper summarizes results from thermal, flow, and structural analyses as well as initial scoping materials interaction tests that were completed to support the conceptual design of the core catcher.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)311-325
Number of pages15
JournalNuclear Engineering and Design
Volume230
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2004
Event11th International Conference on Nuclear Energy - Tokyo, Japan
Duration: Apr 20 2003Apr 23 2003

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Conceptual design of an in-vessel core catcher'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this