A D-T neutron source for fusion materials and technology testing

Abstract

This report describes a conceptual design of a high-fluence source of 14 MeV D-T neutrons for accelerated testing of materials. The design goal of 10 MW/m/sup 2/ year corresponding to 100 displacements per atom per year is taken to be sufficient for end-of-life tests of candidate materials for a fusion reactor. Such a neutron source would meet a need in the program to develop commercial fusion power that is not yet addressed. In our evaluation, a fusion-based source is preferred for this application over non-fusion, accelerator-type sources such as FMIT because, first, a relevant 14 MeV D-T neutron spectrum is obtained. Second, a fusion source will better simulate the reactor environment where materials can be subjected to high thermal loads, energetic particle irradiation, high mechanical stresses, intense magnetic fields and high magnetic field gradients as well as a 14 MeV neutron flux of several MW/m/sup 2/. Although the actual reactor environment can be realized only in a reactor, a fusion-based neutron source can give valuable design information of synergistic effects in this complex environment. The proposed small volume, high-fluence source would complement the capabilities of a facility such as ITER, which addresses toroidal fusion component development. For our source, the volume of reacting plasma and the fusion power have been minimized, while maintaining an intense neutron flux. As a consequence, tritium consumption is modest, and the amount of tritium required is readily available

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