Propagation investigations using the CULDESAC model

Abstract This paper contains a description of the Culdesac propagation model, which has been developed at Culham Laboratory, and a summary of results from a number of computational studies. The conservation equations which make up the model are described, together with the fragmentation and heat transfer models used to close it. Example results are then presented which illustrate the importance of solution parameters, the heat transfer and fragmentation models, and geometrical considerations on the calculated propagation behaviour. The difficulties in comparing model predictions with the available experimental data are then discussed. Finally, a summary of what are believed to be the important issues in propagation modelling is presented.