VAPEX code-aided analysis of large-scale experiments in corium/water interaction

The VAPEX computer code is used to analyze three large-scale experiments in corium/water interaction performed at the FARO Facility. Only the mixing of a corium jet with water at different values of pressure is studied in experiments L-14 and L-24; in experiment L-33, an initiating device is used to make a steam explosion after mixing. The calculations revealed the importance of taking into account the process of generation of hydrogen during the corium/melt interaction for correctly determining the pressure in the container and gas void fraction below the level. The results of VAPEX code-aided calculations and the experimental data agree qualitatively and quantitatively both at the stage of mixing and at the stage of steam explosion.