Studies of core catcher concepts

Underneath the RPV of future PWRs a space is to be provided for a core catcher capable of taking care of the whole core melt. As an alternative to an earlier concept providing for a spread of the core melt on a flat sacrifical bed, we investigate a staggered-pan concept in a particle bed, in which the melt can spread both vertically and horizontally. Such a spatial distribution would make for a better ong-term coolability. (orig.)