The TMI-2 Accident Evaluation Program

Abstract

This report establishes the basis and scope of work for the Three Mile Island Unit No. 2 (TMI-2) Accident Evaluation Program sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE). The current understanding of the TMI-2 accident is reviewed, with emphasis on the end-state distribution of important radioisotopes and the progression of core damage leading to gross core failure and fuel migration into the lower plenum regions of the reactor vessel. Unresolved technical issues related to core damage progression and fission product behavior in hypothesized reactor accidents are identified. The role of TMI-2 accident research in addressing these unresolved issues is developed and discussed. Data needs from TMI-2 and supporting analysis requirements to interpret the data are identified that will improve our understanding of the important physical processes and parameters controlling core damage progression and the resulting fission product behavior. 48 refs.