Preventing melt-water explosions

Author: Taleyarkhan R.  

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

ISSN: 1543-1851

Source: JOM, Vol.50, Iss.2, 1998-02, pp. : 35-38

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Abstract

Explosive interactions between molten aluminum and water are being studied at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to determine the causes of explosion triggers and the extent of protection provided from various coatings in order to develop a fundamental, cost-effective methodology for prevention. The study includes experimentation and mathematical modeling of the interactions between molten metals and water on various coated and uncoated surfaces. Phenomenological issues related to surface wettability, gas generation from coatings, charring of coatings, inertial constraint, melt temperature, water temperature, and external shocks are being investigated systematically to gage their relative impact on the triggerability of surface-assisted steam explosions. A physics-based novel prevention methodology based on enhancing system stability via air (gas) injection at vulnerable locations has been developed and tested at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.