PATRIC - A Computer Model for Predictinq Containment Response Following LOCA

Abstract

PATRIC is a digital computer program developed to study the thermal-hydraulic response of the negative pressure containment system following postulated loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA).

The containment is modelled by a network of nodes with interconnecting links. The program calculates the time variations of pressure,temperature, mass and energy inventories in each node. Flows in the links are computed by compressible flow momentum equations. Models are provided to describe safety systems and natural phenomena in containment. The program user defines the geometry of the containment system, specifies the mass and energy addition, defines the heat slab structure and material and describes the safety systems performance.

PATRIC is currently used by Ontario Hydro for accident and design assist analyses of the containment system in Darlington G.S.