Metal--Water Reactions: Effects on Core Cooling and Containment

The role of metal-water reactions in the evaluation of reactor loss-of-coolant accidents is discussed. It is shown that the amount of metal-water reaction expected to accompany a BWR loss-of-coolant accident is insignificant even if only one of the two core cooling systems provided functions. Test results conducted on Zircaloy and inductively heated Zircaloy rods supporting these calculations are summarized.