Modeling and optimization of a conceptual thermonuclear fusion reactor system

Conference · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 1974

OSTI ID:4306398

McCann, R B; Powers, Jr, E J

From international meeting on the technology of controlled thermonuclear fusion experiments and the engineering aspects of fusion reactors; Austin, Texas, USA (20 Nov 1972). In technology of controlled thermonuclear fusion experiments and the engineering aspects of fusion reactors. This paper demonstrates how computer modeling and optimization techniques can be used to examine the complex interrelations between the engineering and economic aspects of fusion reactors. Data obtained from various published sources have been used to describe the engineering criteria. These data, which are usually the result of lengthy and complex numerical calculations, are then approximated mathematically for use in the model. The cost function depends on the cost and relative amounts of each material used in the reactor. The objective function, which is defined as the cost divided by the useful thermal-power output of the reactor, is minimized subject to a set of constraints, which include linear geometrical constraints and nonlinear engineering constraints. The optimization is accomplished by using the Sequential Unconstrained Minimization Technique (SUMT) on a CDC 6600 computer. The results from this technique and from parameter-variation studies are presented. The inclusion of economic considerations leads to some interesting results in that the engineering implications of a particular situation are often straightforward, but the economic considerations often give rise to a much more complex and meaningful problem. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas, Austin; Texas Univ., Austin (USA)
• NSA Number: NSA-29-030984
• OSTI ID: 4306398
• Report Number(s): CONF-721111--
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*SIMULATORS-- THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS
*THERMONUCLEAR REACTORS-- SIMULATORS
COMPUTERS
COST
ECONOMICS
ENGINEERING
N70800* --Physics--Controlled Thermonuclear Research-- Thermonuclear Engineering & Equipment
OPTIMIZATION