Optimized D-D Neutron Production Rates in the Linear Inertial-electrostatic Confinement Fusion Device - LUNA PDF Download

Author: Nolan C. van Rossum
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 46

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Author: Aaron N. Fancher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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This work details the advancement and understanding of fusion neutron generation capabilities using a deuterium fueled spherical gridded inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device operating up to 200 kV at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The goal of this work was to extend the experimental and theoretical understanding of gridded IEC operations to previously unachieved 200 kV cathode operation and to investigate long term trends in the neutron production rate performance. To support this experimental investigation, hardware with the capability to reliably sustain 200 kV operation was successfully developed by constructing a resistively divided 2-stage high voltage vacuum feedthrough. Repeated measurements of the neutron production rate under fixed experimental conditions were performed over the span of 100 operational runs, which showed an upward trend in the neutron production rate performance. An investigation into the impact of impurity gas in the chamber during operation showed the reduction of impurity gas in the system and an increase in neutron production rate are correlated. An estimation of the neutron production rate increase over these runs due to embedded fusion reactions in the chamber wall showed a fuel density build up near the surface by the implantation of fast neutral deuterium particles leaving the system can plausibly account for the upward trend in neutron production rate measurements. Parametric studies measured the neutron production rate with variations in the device cathode voltage (10-200 kV), cathode current (30-100 mA) and chamber pressure (0.2-1.7 mTorr D2), and comparisons with a theoretical model are made. The results of this study showed the neutron production rate scales linearly with current as expected with a beam-target fusion regime and scales in a complex manner with voltage and pressure. Comparisons made to a theoretical model of the neutron production rate using an integral transport code showed the absolute neutron production rate prediction by the model is a factor of 7.8 lower than experimental measurements. A new record for steady-state D-D neutron production rate of 3.8x108 neutrons/s has been achieved in a gridded IEC device at a cathode voltage of 200 kV, cathode current of 100 mA, and chamber pressure of 1.0 mTorr D2.

Author: Louis Franzel
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Neutrons
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Author: Blair Patrick Bromley
Publisher: Ann Arbor, Mich. : University Microfilms International
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 1266

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Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309270626
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 119

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In the fall of 2010, the Office of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Secretary for Science asked for a National Research Council (NRC) committee to investigate the prospects for generating power using inertial confinement fusion (ICF) concepts, acknowledging that a key test of viability for this concept-ignition -could be demonstrated at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the relatively near term. The committee was asked to provide an unclassified report. However, DOE indicated that to fully assess this topic, the committee's deliberations would have to be informed by the results of some classified experiments and information, particularly in the area of ICF targets and nonproliferation. Thus, the Panel on the Assessment of Inertial Confinement Fusion Targets ("the panel") was assembled, composed of experts able to access the needed information. The panel was charged with advising the Committee on the Prospects for Inertial Confinement Fusion Energy Systems on these issues, both by internal discussion and by this unclassified report. A Panel on Fusion Target Physics ("the panel") will serve as a technical resource to the Committee on Inertial Confinement Energy Systems ("the Committee") and will prepare a report that describes the R&D challenges to providing suitable targets, on the basis of parameters established and provided to the Panel by the Committee. The Panel on Fusion Target Physics will prepare a report that will assess the current performance of fusion targets associated with various ICF concepts in order to understand: 1. The spectrum output; 2. The illumination geometry; 3. The high-gain geometry; and 4. The robustness of the target design. The panel addressed the potential impacts of the use and development of current concepts for Inertial Fusion Energy on the proliferation of nuclear weapons information and technology, as appropriate. The Panel examined technology options, but does not provide recommendations specific to any currently operating or proposed ICF facility.

Author: B. W. Sargent
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Neutron sources
Languages : en
Pages : 8

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Author: Vladivoj Valkovic
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1482238012
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 500

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Despite the often difficult and time-consuming effort of performing experiments with fast (14 MeV) neutrons, these neutrons can offer special insight into nucleus and other materials because of the absence of charge. 14 MeV Neutrons: Physics and Applications explores fast neutrons in basic science and applications to problems in medicine, the envir

Author: George H. Miley
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461493382
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 415

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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: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309272246
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Book Description
The potential for using fusion energy to produce commercial electric power was first explored in the 1950s. Harnessing fusion energy offers the prospect of a nearly carbon-free energy source with a virtually unlimited supply of fuel. Unlike nuclear fission plants, appropriately designed fusion power plants would not produce the large amounts of high-level nuclear waste that requires long-term disposal. Due to these prospects, many nations have initiated research and development (R&D) programs aimed at developing fusion as an energy source. Two R&D approaches are being explored: magnetic fusion energy (MFE) and inertial fusion energy (IFE). An Assessment of the Prospects for Inertial Fusion Energy describes and assesses the current status of IFE research in the United States; compares the various technical approaches to IFE; and identifies the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing inertial confinement fusion (ICF) in particular as an energy source. It also provides guidance on an R&D roadmap at the conceptual level for a national program focusing on the design and construction of an inertial fusion energy demonstration plant.

Author: C.M. Braams
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9781420033786
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 352

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Book Description
Fusion research started over half a century ago. Although the task remains unfinished, the end of the road could be in sight if society makes the right decisions. Nuclear Fusion: Half a Century of Magnetic Confinement Fusion Research is a careful, scholarly account of the course of fusion energy research over the past fifty years. The authors outline the different paths followed by fusion research from initial ignorance to present understanding. They explore why a particular scheme would not work and why it was more profitable to concentrate on the mainstream tokamak development. The book features descriptive sections, in-depth explanations of certain physical and technical issues, scientific terms, and an extensive glossary that explains relevant abbreviations and acronyms.