Comparison of two-phase critical flow models for estimation of leak flow rate through cracks

Watanabe, Tadashi*; Katsuyama, Jinya; Mano, Akihiro

International Journal of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering (Internet), 13(11), p.516 - 519, 2019/10

The estimation of leak flow rates through narrow cracks in structures is of importance for nuclear reactor safety, since the leak flow could be detected before occurrence of loss-of-coolant accidents. The two-phase critical leak flow rates are calculated using the system analysis code, and two representative non-homogeneous critical flow models, Henry-Fauske model and Ransom-Trapp model, are compared. The pressure decrease and vapor generation in the crack, and the leak flow rates are found to be larger for the Henry-Fauske model. It is shown that the leak flow rates are not affected by the structural temperature, but affected largely by the roughness of crack surface.