LB LOCA analysis using the Deterministic Realistic Methodology. Application to the 3-loop plant

Electricite de France and Framatome have developed an accident analysis method based on the use of realistic computer codes : the 'Deterministic Realistic Method' (DRM). Its principle is based on quantification of the calculation uncertainty, which is taken into account deterministically when the results (target parameters) are compared to the acceptance criteria. To ensure that the value of a target parameter is conservative, a penalization mode is introduced into the realistic model. The penalties are chosen so as to preserve a realistic response of the code. Application of the DRM to a large-break loss of coolant accident (LB LOCA) is presented for the case of a French three-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR). (author)