Author: Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 4
Book Description
This paper concerns the development of a neutron so based on the inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) of a low density fusion plasma in a gridded, spherically-focusing device. With the motivation of using such sources for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) applications, the focus of the development is on : Small size devices, sealed operation with D2 or D2/T2 mixtures, Power-utilization and neutron-output optimization, and integration into an assay system. In this paper, we describe an experimental system that has been established for the development and testing of IEC neutron sources, and we present preliminary results of tests conducted for 25-cm and 15-cm diameter IEC devices.
Author: George H. Miley Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media ISBN: 1461493382 Category : Technology & Engineering Languages : en Pages : 415
Book Description
This book provides readers with an introductory understanding of Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC), a type of fusion meant to retain plasma using an electrostatic field. IEC provides a unique approach for plasma confinement, as it offers a number of spin-off applications, such as a small neutron source for Neutron Activity Analysis (NAA), that all work towards creating fusion power. The IEC has been identified in recent times as an ideal fusion power unit because of its ability to burn aneutronic fuels like p-B11 as a result of its non-Maxwellian plasma dominated by beam-like ions. This type of fusion also takes place in a simple mechanical structure small in size, which also contributes to its viability as a source of power. This book posits that the ability to study the physics of IEC in very small volume plasmas makes it possible to rapidly investigate a design to create a power-producing device on a much larger scale. Along with this hypothesis the book also includes a conceptual experiment proposed for demonstrating breakeven conditions for using p-B11 in a hydrogen plasma simulation. This book also: Offers an in-depth look, from introductory basics to experimental simulation, of Inertial Electrostatic Confinement, an emerging method for generating fusion power Discusses how the Inertial Electrostatic Confinement method can be applied to other applications besides fusion through theoretical experiments in the text Details the study of the physics of Inertial Electrostatic Confinement in small-volume plasmas and suggests that their rapid reproduction could lead to the creation of a large-scale power-producing device Perfect for researchers and students working with nuclear fusion, Inertial Electrostatic Confinement (IEC) Fusion: Fundamentals and Applications also offers the current experimental status of IEC research, details supporting theories in the field and introduces other potential applications that stem from IEC.
Author: Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 3
Book Description
The objective of this research project, development of a unique portable inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) neutron source (106 2.5-MeV neutrons/second-level) has been achieved. A majority of the experimental work required for the project was reported in the 1993 Annual Report. (The abstract and table of contents for that report arc included here as Appendix A for convenience. Full copies can be obtained upon request to the PI.) Unfortunately, the DOE program providing support for the project was canceled and funding was not available to continue the project in 199495. However, to provide time to explore some innovative potential applications for upgraded versions of the IEC, a no-cost extension of the contract was requested and granted in 1994. This follow-on work, mostly involving conceptual design studies, is reported here.
Author: J.G. Wierzbicki Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media ISBN: 9401157669 Category : Medical Languages : en Pages : 299
Book Description
Californium-252 is a neutron emitter with a high specific activity, making it useful in a variety of applications, the most spectacular of which is in brachytherapy for cancer patients. Radiation oncology has exhausted nearly every option for treating radioresistant tumors by photon brachytherapy, and therefore new types of radiation need to be studied to improve the curability of cancer. Audience: Californium brachytherapy is used in only a few radiation therapy centers in the world, so the book will be highly instructive for radiation oncologists, medical physicists and radiobiologists. The nuclear techniques used in clinical applications may also interest nuclear physicists and engineers.
Author: Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 5
Book Description
We are addressing the need to measure nuclear wastes, residues, and spent fuel in order to process these for final disposition. For example, TRU wastes destined for the WIPP must satisfy extensive characterization criteria outlined in the Waste Acceptance Criteria, the Quality Assurance Program Plan, and the Performance Demonstration Plan. Similar requirements exist for spent fuel and residues. At present, no nondestructive assay (NDA) instrumentation is capable of satisfying all of the PDP test cycles (particularly for Remote-Handled TRU waste). One of the primary methods for waste assay is by active neutron interrogation. The objective of this project is to improve the capability of all active neutron systems by providing a higher intensity neutron source (by about a factor of 1,000) for essentially the same cost, power, and space requirements as existing systems. This high intensity neutron source is an electrostatically confined (IEC) plasma device. The IEC is a symmetric sphere that was originally developed in the 1960s as a possible fusion reactor. It operates as DT neutron generator. Although it is not likely that this device will scale to fusion reactor levels, previous experiments1 have demonstrated a neutron yield of 2 x 1010 neutrons/second on a table-top device that can be powered from ordinary laboratory circuits (9 kilowatts). Subsequently, the IEC physics has been extensively studied at the University of Illinois and other locations. We have established theoretically the basis for scaling the output up to 1 x 1011 neutrons/second. In addition, IEC devices have run for cumulative times approaching 10,000 hours, which is essential for practical application to NDA. They have been operated in pulsed and continuous mode. The essential features of the IEC plasma neutron source, compared to existing sources of the same cost, size and power consumption, are: Table 1: Present and Target Operating Parameters for Small Neutron Generators Parameter Present IEC Target or Already Proven Neutron Yield (n/s) 108 1011 Lifetime (hours) 500 10,000 Operation Pulsed Pulsed or steady state Nominal cost $k $100k Same Power 1kW 25kW 5. Methods and Results: The design of a conventional IEC source is deceptively simple. The basic system is a spherical vacuum chamber containing a spherical grid. The grid is raised to a high negative potential. A breakdown develops between the chamber wall and the grid, and this plasma becomes a source of positive deuterium and tritium ions. These ions are accelerated to the center of the vacuum chamber sphere where they may collide. The ion energy may achieve the full potential of the accelerating grid. If the grid is raised to a nominal 100 kV, the D-T fusion cross section becomes large and the neutron production proceeds. The IEC concept was initially developed in the 1950s and 1960s by R.L. Hirsch and collaborators. It was originally proposed as a possible plasma fusion energy device. The idea was initially presented to the DOE with a table-top experiment using ordinary office power. That system produced in excess of 106 neutrons per second. Although the IEC was not favored for a future electric energy generator, the application as a potential neutron source was clearly established. Using nominal laboratory power and a modest sized sphere, Hirsch was able to achieve a maximum neutron yield of 2xl010 neutrons per second (in D-T)in the mid 1960s.
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Author: National Research Council Canada
Author: George H. Miley
Author: American Nuclear Society
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Author: J.G. Wierzbicki
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Author: Krupkar Murali Subramanian
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