Simulation of Consequences of Severe Accidents of the TRIGA Mark II Reactor in Vienna using RODOS simulation tool

Abstract

The TRIGA Mark II Reactor of the TU Vienna - Institute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics (ATI) received new fuel elements in November 2012. The responsible Austrian regulatory authorities have a big interest in the safety of the reactor and need to be prepared in case of major reactor accidents. With the simulation tool RODOS several scenarios were calculated. RODOS is a simulation tool that can show the possible environmental impact in the closer and further proximity of a nuclear installation after a possible release of radioactive material. The paper will discuss those impacts for different scenarios, including the damage of 1 fuel element, up the the complete destruction of the reactor core. The meteorological data, which are essential for the simulation, have been collected through many years at the site by the ATI weather station. Therefor realistic scenarios for typical spring, summer, autumn and winter days can be simulated, as well as unusual weather events (thunderstorm or snow days). A holistic approach was taken to find out which meteorological scenario would create the biggest impact, and if this scenario changes regarding the damage to the reactor. The outcome of the simulations could be used for other TRIGA Mark Reactors to show the safety of this type of research reactor.