Metallographic and hardness examinations of TMI-2 lower pressure vessel head samples

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Abstract
Fifteen steel samples were removed from the lower pressure vessel head of the damaged TMI-2 nuclear reactor to assess the thermal threat to the head posed by 15 to 20 metric tons of molten core debris relocating there during the accident. Full sections of thirteen of the samples and partial sections of the other two samples underwent hardness and metallographic examinations at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. These examinations have shown that eleven of the fifteen samples did not exceed the ferrite-austenite transformation temperature of 727 C during the accident. The remaining four samples did show evidence of having a much more severe thermal history. The samples from core grid positions F-10 and G-8 are believed to have experienced temperatures of 1,040 to 1,060 C for about 30 minutes. Samples from positions E-8 and E-6 appear to have been subjected to 1,075 to 1,100 C for approximately 30 minutes.
Funding Information
  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC (United States)
  • DOE (AC07-76ID01570)