A sensitivity study of physical models using in RELAP5 code based on FEBA experimental data

Abstract

In the thermal-hydraulic safety analysis, simulation results using thermal-hydraulic codes depend mainly on modeling the physical phenomena built-in the codes. These models are the equations, and empirical formulas developed based on matching them to experimental data or based on the assumptions, simplifications for solving theoretical equations. Therefore, it is recommended that these physical models need to take into account the uncertainty they cause. The sensitivity study is performed to investigate the influence of physical models on the calculation results during the reflood phase after the loss of coolant accident. It is allowable to choose the physical models that have the most significant influence on the calculation results. This study conducted a sensitivity analysis of physical models in RELAP5 code based on experimental data measured on the FEBA test facility. Sixteen physical models have been selected for sensitivity analysis to find the most important models that influence the calculation results. Based on two criteria, the maximum cladding temperature and the quench time, the sensitivity analysis results show that four physical models significantly impact the calculation result. Four chosen physical models are considered further in the next step of their uncertainty evaluation.