Thermal-hydraulic transients in fusion reactors: Validation of the Consen Computer Code

Activities relating to code validation have been promoted inside the Euratom Fusion Technology Programme to test the capability of codes in simulating phenomena expected in case of accidents, generally, in fusion facilities and, specifically, in the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) plant. The paper presents the results obtained by the CONSEN computer program for post-test calculations of the EVITA (CEA) and ICE (JEARI) facilities. The main topics of the work were the evaluation of the pressure and temperature transients inside the test facilities during non cryogenic tests. Different cases focused to evaluate the influence of various parameters (steam or liquid flow injection and wall temperature for EVITA and time of injection, number of injectors, compensation heaters and pressure in the boiler, for ICE) have been studied. Mitigating effects of a suppression tank in the ICE facility have been assessed too. Results obtained by CONSEN, compared with the available experimental data, have shown a good capability of the code to simulate the experimental conditions of the facilities.