RELAP5 analysis of ROSA/LSTF vessel upper head break LOCA experiment

Takeda, Takeshi ; Asaka, Hideaki; Suzuki, Mitsuhiro; Nakamura, Hideo  

RELAP5 code analysis was performed to validate the code predictability by using ROSA/LSTF experiment data that simulated a PWR vessel upper head small break loss-of-coolant accident (SBLOCA) with a break equivalent to 1% cold leg break. The JAEA-modified RELAP5/MOD3.2.1.2 code was used by incorporating a break model that employs maximum bounding flow theory with a discharge coefficient (Cd) of 0.61 for two-phase break flow. In the experiment, liquid level in the upper head was found to control break flow rate as coolant in the upper plenum entered the upper head through control rod guide tubes (CRGTs) until the penetration holes at the CRGT bottom were exposed to steam in the upper plenum. The upper head noding and flow paths between the upper plenum and the CRGT were thus modeled to simulate well the liquid level and coolant flow around the upper portion of pressure vessel. The code, however, overpredicted the break flow rate due to the underprediction of break-upstream void fraction especially during two-phase flow discharge period. Cd for two-phase break flow was thus adjusted to be 0.58. Effects of break area on the core cooling were investigated further. The parameter analyses showed that peak cladding temperature (PCT) is the maximum at 1% break case, while the PCT would be lower than 1200 K in the larger break size cases because vapor condensation on injected accumulator coolant induces loop seal clearing and effectively enhances core cooling thereafter.