Cotels Project (4): Structural Investigation Of Solidified Debris In Mcci

Cross section of concrete trap along with solidified debris tested in COTELS Test B/C, in which the interaction among core melt, water and concrete was simulated, were structurally investigated. In 6 tests out of 10 tests, particulate debris bed was formed above continuous ingot debris. The size distribution of the particulate debris was well correlated by Rosin-Rammler equation. Large amount of smallest diameter particles was obtained due to the entrainment of molten cerium, decomposed concrete and oxidation of metallic components in cerium associated with molten core concrete interaction (MCCI) generated gas. The upper region of the solidified debris included more concrete compositions. The concrete erosion depth, concrete degradation condition and the structure of solidified debris were evaluated to clarify the basic difference between COTELS and former tests results. Concrete erosion depth was less than that observed in MACE, WETCOR, SWISS tests. The major differences of COTELS results compared with the former test results were: 1) absence of strong adhesion of crust to melt trap side wall: 2) water penetration into debris through both eroded side wall and channels inside ingot debris: 3) absence of large void inside ingot debris: and 4) formation of pebble bed below ingot debris. All of these promoted the suppression of MCCI.