Recent progress on NRC-supported hydrogen research

The objective of the program is to quantify the threat to containment survival posed by the mechanical and thermal loads resulting from hydrogen combustion. The program also addresses the potential sources of hydrogen for postulated severe accidents, the evaluation of proposed mitigation systems for reducing the threat from hydrogen, and the impact of combustion on the survival and functioning of safety equipment. This paper will be limited to discussing recent progress in understanding several forms of hydrogen combustion including ordinary deflagrations, accelerated flames, detonations, and diffusion flames. (orig./HP)