An assessment of reactor safety modelling techniques based on the accident to the SL-1 boiling water reactor

Abstract

Scale model tests carried out in order to find the effect of rapid changes in pressure on water filled pressure vessels are described. To simulate the time scale of a desctructive nuclear excursion in a water moderated reactor electrically exploded foils are used. The SL-1 reactor accident gave the opportunity to see whether the modelling techniques can be used with confidence. The results obtained from a relevant model test proved to be in close accordance with the full scale effects found during the SL-1 accident.