Hydrogen generation during fuel/coolant interactions

During a severe nuclear plant accident, molten fuel can contact water in the core region, the lower plenum, or in the cavity below the reactor vessel. The interactions that take place can vary from benign boiling to explosive vaporization. If the fuel contains a metallic component, rapid oxidation of the metal can occur during the fuel/coolant interaction (FCI). The hydrogen generated from this reaction can increase the threat to containment integrity. Experiments have been conducted with 10 to 20 kg of two kinds of thermite-generated molten fuel stimulants: corium and iron-aluminum oxide. The experiments are described in this paper and predictions are made based on experimental observations