Connections between physics and economics for tokamak fusion power plants

A simplified physics, engineering, and costing model of a tokamak fusion reactor is used to examine quantitatively the connection between physics performance and power-plant economics based on a DT-fuelled tokamak reactor. Areas where physics and technology advances are needed and where physics/technology tradeoffs exist for attractive end-products are quantitatively identified. 24 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs

EBTR design-point selection

The procedure used to select the design point for the ELMO Bumpy Torus Reactor (EBTR) study is described. The models used in each phase of the selection process are described, with an emphasis placed on the parametric design curves produced by each model. The tradeoffs related to burn physics, stability/equilibrium, electron-ring physics, and magnetics design are discussed. The resulting design point indicates a plasma with a 35-m major radius and a 1-m minor radium operating at an average core-plasma beta of 0.17, which at approx. 30 keV produces an average neutron wall loading of 1.4 MW/m/sup 2/ while maintaining key magnet (< 10 T) and total power (less than or equal to 4000 MWt) constraints

Magnetic divertor design for the compact reversed-field pinch reactor

A recently completed design of a pumped-limiter-based Compact Reversed-Field Pinch Reactor is used to estimate for the first time the impact of magnetic divertors. A range of divertor options for the low-toroidal-field RFP is examined, and a design selection is made constrained by consideration of field ripple (magnetic island), blanket displacement, recirculating power, cost, heat flux, and access. Design choices based on diversion of minority (toroidal) field lead to a preference for (poloidally) symmetric or bundle divertor geometries

Reduction of worldwide plutonium inventories using conventional reactors and advanced fuels: A systems study

The potential for reducing plutonium inventories in the civilian nuclear fuel cycle through recycle in LWRs of a variety of mixed-oxide forms is examined by means of a cost-based plutonium-flow systems model that includes an approximate measure of proliferation risk. The impact of plutonium recycle in a number of forms is examined, including the introduction of nonfertile fuels into conventional (LWR) reactors to reduce net plutonium generation, to increase plutonium burnup, and to reduce exo-reactor plutonium inventories

Impact of ADTT concepts on the management of global plutonium inventories

The impact of a number of current and future nuclear systems on global plutonium inventories is assessed under realistic forecasts of nuclear power growth. Advanced systems, such as those employing Accelerator Driven Transmutation Technologies (ADTT) and liquid metal reactors, show significant promise for meeting future plutonium management needs. These analyses also indicate requirements for a higher level of detail in the nuclear fuel cycle model and for development of a metric to more quantitatively assess the proliferation risk of plutonium arising from the civilian fuel cycle

InP based lasers and optical amplifiers with wire-/dot-like active regions

Long wavelength lasers and semiconductor optical amplifiers based on InAs quantum wire-/dot-like active regions were developed on InP substrates dedicated to cover the extended telecommunication wavelength range between 1.4 and 1.65 mu m. In a brief overview different technological approaches will be discussed, while in the main part the current status and recent results of quantum-dash lasers are reported. This includes topics like dash formation and material growth, device performance of lasers and optical amplifiers, static and dynamic properties and fundamental material and device modelin

Accelerator-based conversion (ABC) of weapons plutonium: Plant layout study and related design issues

In preparation for and in support of a detailed R and D Plan for the Accelerator-Based Conversion (ABC) of weapons plutonium, an ABC Plant Layout Study was conducted at the level of a pre-conceptual engineering design. The plant layout is based on an adaptation of the Molten-Salt Breeder Reactor (MSBR) detailed conceptual design that was completed in the early 1070s. Although the ABC Plant Layout Study included the Accelerator Equipment as an essential element, the engineering assessment focused primarily on the Target; Primary System (blanket and all systems containing plutonium-bearing fuel salt); the Heat-Removal System (secondary-coolant-salt and supercritical-steam systems); Chemical Processing; Operation and Maintenance; Containment and Safety; and Instrumentation and Control systems. Although constrained primarily to a reflection of an accelerator-driven (subcritical) variant of MSBR system, unique features and added flexibilities of the ABC suggest improved or alternative approaches to each of the above-listed subsystems; these, along with the key technical issues in need of resolution through a detailed R&D plan for ABC are described on the bases of the ``strawman`` or ``point-of-departure`` plant layout that resulted from this study