A Preliminary Investigation of Rapid Depressurization Phenomena Following a Sudden DLOFC in a VHTR Page: 4 of 28
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Abstract
Air ingress has been identified as a potential threat for Very High Temperature gas-cooled
Reactors (VHTR). Reactor components constructed of graphite will, at high temperatures, pro-
duce exothermic reactions in the presence of oxygen. The danger lies in the possibility of fuel
element damage and core structural failure. Previous investigations of air ingress mechanisms
have focused on thermal and molecular diffusion, density-driven stratified flow due to hydro-
dynamic instability, and natural convection. Here, we investigate the possibility of a rapid flow
reversal of helium coolant due to a Taylor (rarefaction) wave expansion after a hypothetical
sudden depressurized loss of forced cooling (DLOFC) scenario in a VHTR. Concievably, flow
reversal of the helium coolant could entrain significant quantities of air into the reactor ves-
sel. Our analysis starts with a one-dimensional shock tube simulation to simply illustrate the
development of a Taylor wave with resulting reentrant flow. Then, a simulation is performed
of an idealized two-dimensional axisymmetric representation of the lower plenum of General
Atomics GT-MHR subjected to a hypothetical catastrophic break of the hot duct. Analysis
shows the potential for significant and rapid flow reversal into the reactor vessel in the case of
a large break in the cooling system.4
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Martineau, Richard C.; Berry, Ray A. & Knoll, Dana A. A Preliminary Investigation of Rapid Depressurization Phenomena Following a Sudden DLOFC in a VHTR, report, March 1, 2009; [Idaho]. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc934058/m1/4/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.