Self-mixing phenomenology in hypothetical core-disruptive accidents

Physical processes are investigated that lead to the thermal equilibration of a disrupted liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) core following a hypothetical core-disruptive accident (HCDA). Their impact is assessed, particularly as relating to the SIMMER code. The turbulent structure in the core region is characterized and bounding estimates are derived of thermal equilibration (''self-mixing'') times. The implication of these results for LMFBR safety research is discussed briefly.