Beta energy driven uniform deuterium--tritium ice layer in reactor-size cryogenic inertial fusion targets

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1116/1.575234· OSTI ID:5222354

Martin, A J; Simms, R J; Jacobs, R B

We have studied the effectiveness of beta heating on driving a deuterium--tritium (DT) ice layer toward uniformity within spherical inertial fusion targets. Beta heating results from the deposition of energy from the beta particles from the tritium decay in these targets. These targets are enclosed in a constant temperature environment. This study first considered a one-dimensional heat transfer model of an idealized target, geometry, and environment. We concluded that beta energy deposition can drive a nonuniform DT ice layer towards uniformity. The maximum rate at which this redistribution can occur is given by ddeltadt = delta-dot = -deltatheta/sub TC/, where delta = DT ice thickness in excess of that for a uniform layer and theta/sub TC/ = a time constant approx. =1500 s. This translates to a factor of 10 reduction in nonuniformity every hour. We also evaluated, and continue to do so, the consequences of deviations from the idealized case assumptions and the selection of certain experimental parameters, on the actual behavior of DT ice in such cryogenic targets. The status of this work is such that we have confidence in the use of beta heating to drive the DT ice toward uniformity for reactor-size targets (approx.1 mm and larger in diameter).

• Research Organization: KMS Fusion, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106
• OSTI ID: 5222354
• Journal Information: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States), Journal Name: J. Vac. Sci. Technol., A; (United States) Vol. 6:3; ISSN JVTAD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
700205 -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Fuel
Heating
& Injection Systems
700208* -- Fusion Power Plant Technology-- Inertial Confinement Technology
BEAM INJECTION HEATING
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA PARTICLES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CHARGED PARTICLES
CONFINEMENT
CRYOGENICS
DEUTERIUM
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
HEATING
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
INERTIAL CONFINEMENT
ISOTOPES
LASER TARGETS
LIGHT NUCLEI
NUCLEI
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
ODD-ODD NUCLEI
PLASMA CONFINEMENT
PLASMA HEATING
RADIOISOTOPES
STABLE ISOTOPES
TARGETS
TRITIUM
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES