A model for fuel-coolant interactions

A model for fuel-coolant interactions is proposed. The interaction is divided into five stages: an initial perturbation which triggers the interaction and causes a vapour bubble to form at the fuel-coolant interface; bubble expansion and collapse with jetting; penetration of the fuel by the liquid jet; heat transfer from the fuel to the jet; the formation of a new bubble. The process repeats itself cyclically from the second stage. The most important result is that the strength of the interaction is reduced as the external pressure is increased and can be inhibited entirely if the pressure is large enough.