Methodology for the Estimation of Lightning Effects on a Nuclear Reactor

Effects of lightning in a nuclear facility must be carefully taken into account. Numerical simulations can be used to evaluate the magnetic fields inside the facility as well as the open circuit voltages and short circuit currents. Here, we present a methodology that combines both such simulations and experimental measurements. Thanks to the results of these tests, we can adjust the numerical models and thus make them more accurate. This methodology has been applied to the new French nuclear reactor “Jules Horowitz:” a complete analysis of the reactor building has been performed, and is presented in this letter.