Computer Codes Validation for Conditions of Core Voiding

Abstract

Void generation during a Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) in a core of a CANDU reactor is of specific importance because of its strong coupling with reactor neutronics. The use of dynamic behaviour and computer code capability to predict void generation accurately in the temporal and spatial domain of the reactor core is fundamental for the determination of CANDU safety. The Canadian industry has used the RD-14M test facilities for its code validation. The validation exercises for the Canadian computer codes TUF and CATHENA were performed some years ago. Recently, the CNSC has gained access to the USNRC computer code TRACE. This has provided an opportunity to explore the use of this code in CANDU related applications. As a part of regulatory assessment and resolving identified Generic Issues (GI), and in an effort to build independent thermal hydraulic computer codes assessment capability within the CNSC, preliminary validation exercises were performed using the TRACE computer code for an evaluation of the void generation phenomena.The paper presents a preliminary assessment of the TRACE computer code for an RD-14M channel voiding test. It is also a validation exercise of void generation for the TRACE computer code. The accuracy of the obtained results is discussed and compared with previous validation assessments that were done using the CATHENA and TUF codes.