Numerical simulation of melt relocation and heat transfer during severe accidents in the fast reactors

Abstract

Due to the revival of the interest to the development of fast reactors cooled by liquid metals, it is important to provide theoretical research of reactor’s safety. A detailed calculation of all stages of the accident from the beginning to the end requires knowledge of the laws for modeling of physical processes occurring in the reactor in an emergency. The most jeopardized are accidents with the destruction of the reactor core. The main objective of the proposed research is developing of models and numerical algorithms for calculation of core degradation. These models can be used in codes for analysis of severe accident in fast reactors. The presented paper contains descriptions of algorithms that are used to simulate melt motion on the surface of fuel pins.