Radiological consequences of massive release of fission products from pressurised water reactors

A study was made of the radiological consequences of a hypothetical serious accident with massive release of fission products from a pressurized water reactor. Calculations were based on a loss-of-coolant accident (double-ended fracture of a main coolant duct within the safety containment vessel, leading to loss of the primary coolant). Another partial failure (leak) was assumed in the safety vessel. The analysis was based on a PWR with a thermal power of 2331 MWth. The objective was to determine the potential exposure to radiation outside the reactor due to: inhalation; external irradiation from the cloud; and external gamma-radiation from noxious radioactive fallout on the ground, as a function of time and distance for various boundary conditions. Assumptions are stated. Results are presented and discussed. (UK)