PHEBUS FPT-1 simulation by using MELCOR and primary blockage model exploration

Recently, MAAP and MELCOR research teams completed a set of accident simulations to reconstruct the Fukushima-Daiichi accident in order to better understand severe accident progression. One result from this work is that the predicted hydrogen generation in MELCOR is notably more than that in MAAP. The fuel rod degradation process (i.e., debris formation and blockage models) may be responsible for this difference and opportunity exists to understand the key reasons for the difference. To examine this hypothesis, in this paper, the PHEBUS FPT1 experiment is selected as a benchmark test and MELCOR is used as the analysis tool. MELCOR calculation results are compared with PHEBUS FPT1 data to verify our model. Based on the validation of a nominal MELCOR simulation of the FPT1 test, we use the volume fractions of each component to visualize the debris-blockage geometric arrangement for PHEBUS FPT1 as the fuel degradation event proceeds. Cloud figures for the volume fractions of each component such as flow volume fraction, cladding volume fraction, fuel rod volume fraction, supporting material volume fraction, non-supporting material volume fraction and debris bed porosity fraction are shown in this paper. The results provide us with a visualized approach for improving our understanding of core degradation.