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Resolution of Generic Safety Issues: Issue 28: Pressurized Thermal Shock ( NUREG-0933, Main Report with Supplements 1–35 )

DESCRIPTION

Pressurized water reactors are susceptible to certain types of hypothetical accidents that, under circumstances such as operation of the reactor beyond a critical time in its life, could result in failure of the pressure vessel as a result of extensive propagation of crack-like defects in the vessel wall. Accidents of particular concern are those that result in rapid cooling (thermal shock) of the inner surface of the reactor vessel wall, particularly if they also involve substantial primary system pressure. Such accidents have been also referred to as "overcooling accidents" (excessive cooling for a particular pressure) and/or "pressurized thermal shock." A detail description of this issue can be found in NUREG/CR-2083.37

CONCLUSION

This issue is covered under USI A-49, "Pressurized Thermal Shock."

REFERENCES

0037.NUREG/CR-2083, "Evaluation of the Threat to PWR Vessel Integrity Posed by Pressurized Thermal Shock Events," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, October 7, 1981.