MadderDoc
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In regard of the recent observations on the state of affairs in unit 3, and previous theories that a steam explosion could have been involved in the explosive event in the unit on March 14th 2011, one might take note of the more recent results of the PULIMS and SES experiments on the possibility of steam explosions in molten core-coolant interaction in a stratified configuration.
It has previously been believed that a steam explosion would not likely occur, in the absence of premixture of the molten material (e.g. by jet expulsion from the RPV). The experiments have shown this not to be the case; in the experiments spontaneous steam explosions frequently occurred, also when the molten material was laid out under relatively shallow and somewhat subcooled (~10K) water without prefragmentation of the hot melt, and with conversion rates heat energy-->kinetic energy at about 1-3 %.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280719489_Investigation_of_Steam_Explosion_in_Stratified_Melt-Coolant_Configuration
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280719566_Insight_into_steam_explosion_in_stratified_melt-coolant_configuration
It has previously been believed that a steam explosion would not likely occur, in the absence of premixture of the molten material (e.g. by jet expulsion from the RPV). The experiments have shown this not to be the case; in the experiments spontaneous steam explosions frequently occurred, also when the molten material was laid out under relatively shallow and somewhat subcooled (~10K) water without prefragmentation of the hot melt, and with conversion rates heat energy-->kinetic energy at about 1-3 %.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280719489_Investigation_of_Steam_Explosion_in_Stratified_Melt-Coolant_Configuration
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280719566_Insight_into_steam_explosion_in_stratified_melt-coolant_configuration