Experiment design and scaling analysis for the BWR FIST

The Full Integral Simulation Test (FIST) program is an extension of BWR safety technology into the areas of small break LOCAs and operational transients. To tie back with the existing data base, design basis accident LOCAs will also be performed. The FIST facility is an integral system capable of full power steady state operation and real time simulation of transients, including power excursions and/or degraded systems. It is a full height simulation of the reactor vessel and internals with scaled regional volumes, and includes all major interfacing systems and automatic trip signals. Combined with a full size electrically heated bundle, this provides full scale values for fluid conditions, velocities, and static heads. The program provides data for evaluation of the governing phenomena, for development and qualification of thermal hydraulic methods, and for evaluation of reactor system operating information. Factors considered in the design of the FIST facility include BWR design features important to scaling, the system parameters and phenomena which must be accurately simulated, and experience gained from design of previous scaled facilities