Phebus probes core meltdown behavior: the first results

The Phebus Fission Product (FP) tests are carried out at Cadarache, France, in the scope of a large internal severe accident research program. The reactor core cooling system (RCCS), and containment of a reactor, are simulated by appropriate scaled-down experimental components. Test fuel is irradiated in situ and then overheated to melting. Instrumentation and post-test analyses enable study of physical and chemical phenomena, such as fuel dislocation, FP release and transport, and iodine species in the containment. More than 35 organizations from Europe and overseas contribute to the scientific and technological development of Phebus FP. (author) 1 fig., 1 tab., 13 refs