Study on Resuspension Models Based on Force Balance

Abstract

AbstractDuring the severe accident of the nuclear power plant, the resuspension of the aerosol particles deposited in the containment would occur, due to some disturbance, resulting in the increase of radioactive aerosols released into the environment. Therefore, aerosol resuspension should be considered for the radiological consequence assessment. Accurate aerosol resuspension prediction model is very important.In this paper, three typical aerosol resuspension models considering force balance, named Wichner model, Michael model and ECART model, are investigated. These models follow the principle that resuspension occurs when the aerodynamic disturbing force is greater than the hindering force and differ in the consideration of the forces acting on particles. Wichner model proposes the aerodynamic disturbing force includes lift force, while Michael model considers it composed of lift and drag force, hindering effect of adhesive force is considered in the two models. ECART model considers the hindering force includes gravity, cohesive and adhesive force, the aerodynamic disturbing force is composed of drag, and burst force. Considering the aerosol characteristics and thermal hydraulic conditions during nuclear reactor severe accidents, the simulation for STORM and ART experiments with the three models is carried out. Finally, via comparing and analyzing the prediction results and experimental results, the applicability of these models is evaluated. Wichner model could reflect the rapid change of resuspension with the disturbing gas velocity and is in agreement with the experimental results for different particle sizes under different disturbing gas velocities, which is recommended for predicting aerosol resuspension behavior during nuclear reactor severe accidents.