Abstract: | This paper recalls the statistical origins of the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR) concept and Owen's coefficients, as used in CHF studies. The way in which they are currently used may be incorrect, and we shall present a new approach in which the lower tolerance interval limit depends on a number of parameters. The use of least-square regressions and smoothing splines is explained. We also include an example, based on a CHF EPRI test, from the Columbia University data bank. |