Assessing beyond-design impact scenarios for a nuclear facility

Impact of a large commercial aircraft on highly critical structures such as nuclear power plants have been considered to assess risk of damage to the plant over the last decade as a part of safety evaluation of these structures for beyond-design basis events. In particular, where failure can lead to calamitous outcomes for public health and safety, it is extremely crucial that potential vulnerabilities and mitigation measures are identified.

Our team conducted detailed finite element studies of impacts to nuclear containment facilities, including potential ones caused by commercial aircraft consists of engines, wings, fuselage, empennage, and non-structural components such as fuel. In the event of a large commercial aircraft impacts on a reinforced concrete structure, the assessment incorporates simulation of fuel tanks failure and estimation of fuel spilling on the structure causing post–impact fire. These parameters are combined to evaluate potential damage in the containment facility. This type of information is useful for identifying potential security vulnerabilities and worst-case scenarios in very critical facilities and the development of effective mitigation and prevention plans to avoid the catastrophic outcomes.