Conceptual Development Of Steady State Compact Fusion Neutron Sources

Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, including triggering fission reactions, manufacturing medical isotopes, testing materials and components for use in future fusion power reactors, and facilitating the production of various isotopes like tritium. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving high energy compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). The present publication is a compilation of the main results and findings of an IAEA coordinated research project (CRP) on the development of concepts and conceptual designs for both low and high power CFNSs. Through the collaboration of experts in the participating Member States, the results achieved under the project laid the foundation for practical applications of intense fusion neutron sources.

Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design.

"Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design."--Publisher's description.

"Fusion neutron sources have many important practical uses, such as irradiation testing of materials and components, facilitating the production of various isotopes such as tritium, driving subcritical cores, characterizing spent nuclear fuel, and manufacturing medical isotopes. All these applications can be potentially improved by achieving higher neutron yields and fluxes in compact fusion neutron sources (CFNSs). This publication is a compilation arising from an IAEA coordinated research project on this topic and presents the project's main results and findings with the aim of supporting stakeholders in the development of CFNSs in the transition from conceptual to engineering design."--

The conceptual design of an ohmically-heated, reversed-field pinch (RFP) operating with a 5-MWm2 steady-state DT fusion neutron wall loading while generating (approximately)100-MW total fusion power is presented. These results are also useful in projecting the development of an economic source of DT neutrons for large-volume ((approximately)10 m3) fusion nuclear testing. 6 refs., 4 figs., 5 tabs.

The conceptual design of an ohmically heated, reversed-field pinch (RFP) operating at (approximately)5-MW/m2 steady-state DT fusion neutron wall loading and /approximately/124-MW total fusion power is presented. These results are useful in projecting the development of a cost effective, low input power (/approximately/206 MW) source of DT neutrons for large-volume (/approximately/10 m3), high-fluence (3.4 MW yr/m2) fusion nuclear materials and technology testing. 19 refs., 15 figs., 9 tabs.

Magnetic Fusion Technology describes the technologies that are required for successful development of nuclear fusion power plants using strong magnetic fields. These technologies include: • magnet systems, • plasma heating systems, • control systems, • energy conversion systems, • advanced materials development, • vacuum systems, • cryogenic systems, • plasma diagnostics, • safety systems, and • power plant design studies. Magnetic Fusion Technology will be useful to students and to specialists working in energy research.

Provides an introduction to nuclear fusion and its status and prospects, and features specialized chapters written by leaders in the field, presenting the main research and development concepts in fusion physics. At over 1100 pages, this publication provides an unparalleled resource for fusion physicists and engineers.

This publication addresses recent developments in neutron generator (NG) technology. It presents information on compact instruments with high neutron yield to be used for neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis in combination with high count rate spectrometers. Traditional NGs have been shown to be effective for applications including borehole logging, homeland security, nuclear medicine and the on-line analysis of aluminium, coal and cement. Pulsed fast thermal neutron analysis, as well as tagged and timed neutron analysis, are additional techniques which can be applied using NG. Furthermore, NG can effectively be used for elemental analysis and is also effective for analysis of hidden materials by neutron radiography. Useful guidelines for developing NG based research laboratories are also provided in this publication.

Fusion offers the prospect of virtually unlimited energy. The United States and many nations around the world have made enormous progress toward achieving fusion energy. With ITER scheduled to go online within a decade and demonstrate controlled fusion ten years later, now is the right time for the United States to develop plans to benefit from its investment in burning plasma research and take steps to develop fusion electricity for the nation's future energy needs. At the request of the Department of Energy, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine organized a committee to develop a strategic plan for U.S. fusion research. The final report's two main recommendations are: (1) The United States should remain an ITER partner as the most cost-effective way to gain experience with a burning plasma at the scale of a power plant. (2) The United States should start a national program of accompanying research and technology leading to the construction of a compact pilot plant that produces electricity from fusion at the lowest possible capital cost.