Validation of the Deterministic Realistic Method Applied to CATHARE on LB LOCA Experiments

Framatome-ANP and EDF have defined a generic approach for using a best-estimate code in design basis accident studies called Deterministic Realistic Method (DRM). It has been applied to elaborate a LB LOCA ECCS evaluation model based on the CATHARE code. From a prior statistical analysis of uncertainties, the DRM derives a conservative deterministic model, preserving the realistic nature of the simulation, to be used in the further applications. The conservatism of the penalized model is demonstrated comparing penalized calculations with relevant experimental data. The DRM proved to be a highly flexible tool and has been applied successfully to meet the specific French and specific Belgian requirements of Safety Authorities. (authors)