What temperature does molten corium burn at?

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SUMMARY

Molten corium, a mixture of nuclear fuel and structural materials, burns at temperatures estimated to be around 3000°C, with some discussions suggesting a potential upper limit of 3000 K. UO2, a primary component of corium, has a melting point of approximately 2800°C, while steel melts at 1450-1500°C. The actual behavior of corium can vary significantly based on factors such as the presence of coolant and pressure conditions, which influence heat transfer and melting characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear materials, specifically UO2 properties
  • Knowledge of melting points of metals, including steel and iron oxide
  • Familiarity with eutectic reactions and their implications
  • Basic principles of thermodynamics related to heat transfer
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal properties of UO2 and its behavior under extreme conditions
  • Explore the effects of coolant presence on molten corium behavior
  • Study eutectic reactions and their relevance in high-temperature scenarios
  • Investigate the thermal dynamics of materials under pressure in nuclear environments
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear engineers, materials scientists, safety analysts, and anyone involved in nuclear reactor design and safety assessments will benefit from this discussion.

Kutt
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What temperature (in Fahrenheit) does molten corium burn at?

Anything hot enough to burn through thick layers of steel and concrete must be insanely hot.

image003.jpg
 
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Your question is unclear. What is "corium"?

My bad - should have used Google :(
 
Last edited:
Kutt said:
What temperature (in Fahrenheit) does molten corium burn at?

Anything hot enough to burn through thick layers of steel and concrete must be insanely hot.

image003.jpg
Why would one expect corium to burn?

UO2 melts around 2800°C. Steel melts at around 1450-1500°C. Iron oxide has a melting temperature of 1377 °C. Corium would probably be somewhere in between. Metals may flow below melting temperature.

Some folks assume 3000°C, and others state 3000 K. The latter would be a better upper limit.

The situation is complicated with eutectic reactions.

And of course, it depends on the presence of coolant (water) and the pressure, which would provide some means of heat transfer.
 

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