Blowout panel considerations in subcompartment pressure analyses

Abstract In the process of the design of nuclear power plants, the effects of postulated pipe ruptures must be evaluated. In order to limit the ultimate pressure in these compartments, relief areas are provided which, in many instances, are covered by blowout panels. The calculational procedures of evaluating blowout panel dynamics are derived, and the effects on a typical subcompartment pressure transient are evaluated. For the problem considered, the peak pressure is underestimated by ∼ 30% if blowout panel dynamics are neglected by assuming an instantaneously open blowout panel when the set point is reached. Effects of blowout panel drag, additional heat loss factors, and effective panel pressure are discussed for unhinged and hinged blowout panels.