Heat radiation through steam in direct containment heating

In current discussions of the direct heating of containment atmospheres (DCH) during a hypothetical severe accident in certain PWR's, involving meltdown and discharge via steam blowdown of substantial core materials (corium) from primary into secondary containment, there is concern about the potential for containment loading resulting from the release of large amounts of thermal energy from the airborne corium debris or aerosol directly to the containment atmosphere in sufficient quantities to cause overpressurization. The purpose of this study is to provide some preliminary indications based upon existing correlations, data, models, about transmission of high temperature radiant heat through steam at distances and conditions of significance to DCH.