Scarabee studies hypothetical core melting

An experimental programme is currently being conducted at the Scarabee test reactor to study physical phenomena during hypothetical core melt accidents in LMFBRs. Special emphasis is given to the evolution and detection of local sub-assembly melting accidents. Tests have shown how the materials melt down, and how molten and boiling pools are confined inside plugs of solidified material. No mechanical energy produced by fuel clad interaction has been observed so far and no significant amount of fuel has been ejected axially. (UK)