Engineers worry that a total cooling failure could lead to a China syndrome.
China syndrome
idiomA hypothetical kind of catastrophic failure in which a nuclear reactor melts through the floor of its containment system and (if on land) penetrates the Earth's surface, continuing downward as if (from a Western Hemispheric point of view) traveling through the planet toward China.
Origin
first recorded 20th c.From China + syndrome. Popularized via the 1979 disaster thriller film The China Syndrome.
The safety report warned that if the reactor core overheats, it could trigger a China syndrome, causing the molten material to melt through the containment floor.
The catastrophic scenario of a China syndrome remains the ultimate nightmare for nuclear safety experts, representing the theoretical point where a meltdown penetrates the very foundation of the facility.
- 01
all the tea in China
Something very valuable or priceless.
- 02
bull in a china shop
A person who is clumsy, aggressive, without care, concern or self-control.
- 03
derangement Syndrome
The acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal and balanced people triggered by the mention of a specific topic.
- 04
floppy infant syndrome
Hypotonia.
- 05
made in China
Cheaply manufactured; of poor or low quality, (especially) if made in East Asia.
- 06
Nixon in China
Suggesting the ability of a politician with an unassailable reputation among his or her supporters for representing and defending their values to take actions that would draw their criticism and even opposition if taken by someone without those credentials.
- 07
price of tea in China
Something that is relevant or important, usually used to emphasize that another, compared thing is irrelevant, unimportant, or non sequitur, or that someone unaware of it is ignorant, etc.
- 08
revolving door syndrome
A situation in which employee turnover in an organization is inordinately high.