Thermomechanical analysis of solid breeders in sphere-pac, plate, and pellet configurations
The first configuration studied is called sphere-pac. It features small breeder spheres of three different diameters, thus allowing efficient packing and minimal void fraction. The concept originated as an attempt to minimize thermal stresses in the breeder and improve the predictability of the breeder-structure interface heat conduction. In general the breeder is made as thin as possible, to maximize the breeding ratio, so the cladding's integrity will likely be the life-limiting issue of this concept. The third breeder configuration is in the form of pellets cladded by steel tubes. The major thermomechanical issue of the pin-type designs is cracking, which would impair the thermal performance of the blanket. Fortunately, the pins can be sized to prevent cracking under normal operation. In this report we have treated each blanket generically, dealing with basic issues rather than design specifics. Our basic philosophy is to avoid cracking of the breeder if at all possible. It can be argued that cracking could be allowed, but this would sacrifice predictability of the blanket thermal performance and tritium release characteristics. Proper design can and should minimize breeder cracking.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of California, Los Angeles, CA (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AS03-80ER52061
- OSTI ID:
- 5550845
- Report Number(s):
- UCLA-ENG-8606; PPG-932; ON: DE86012880
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
BREEDING BLANKETS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
THERMAL STRESSES
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
GEOMETRY
LITHIUM OXIDES
PELLETS
PLATES
SPHERICAL CONFIGURATION
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CONFIGURATION
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
MATHEMATICS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
STRESSES
700201* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Blanket Engineering