Neutronic optimization of a LiAlO sub 2 solid breeder blanket
Results from the recent Blanket Comparison and Selection Study (BCSS) have indicated that the combination of helium as a coolant and a ceramic lithium-bearing solid breeder can satisfy necessary neutronic and thermomechanical performance criteria. Also, recent efforts undertaken at CEA Saclay in France have concentrated on clad breeder elements. In the present study, the authors adopt the following design approach: 1. A pressurized lobular configuration is adopted. 2. Pressurized helium flows in the radial direction, achieving thermal homogeneity. 3. The use of beryllium in the front zone of the blanket is consistent with its thermophysical properties. 4. Beryllium and solid breeder pins are arranged such that helium crossflow conditions are achieved. The small size of the pins ensures minimum temperature asymmetries, which results in minimal bowing and deflections within the blanket. Here the results are presented of neutronic optimization studies of the UCLA pin-type solid breeder blanket. It is desirable to determine the optimum spatial material allocations within the blanket, subject to a number of engineering constraints. The objective function of this optimization is the tritium breeding ratio (TBR), where it is required to be maximum. A low-activation ferritic alloy, designated 9-C, is used for the lobe shell as well as a cladding material for the solid breeder. This material has structural properties comparable to HT-9. Beryllium is used as a neutron multiplier and LiAlO{sub 2} as the solid breeder materials. The blanket coolant is helium, and the shield is composed of water, Fe-1422, and B{sub 4}C. 5 refs., 1 fig.
- OSTI ID:
- 6764936
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-860610-Summs.; CODEN: TANSA; TRN: 90-022120
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Vol. 52; Conference: American Nuclear Society annual meeting, Reno, NV (USA), 15-20 Jun 1986; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Neutronic optimization of a LiAlO/sub 2/ solid breeder blanket
Neutronic optimization of a LiAlO/sub 2/ solid breeder blanket
Related Subjects
ALUMINATES
NEUTRON TRANSPORT
BREEDING BLANKETS
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
TRITIUM
BREEDING RATIO
A CODES
BERYLLIUM
COOLANTS
DESIGN
GAMMA RADIATION
HELIUM
MULTIPLICATION FACTORS
NEUTRON REACTIONS
NUCLEAR DATA COLLECTIONS
OPTIMIZATION
PERFORMANCE
S CODES
SHIELDS
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
BARYON REACTIONS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
COMPUTER CODES
CONVERSION RATIO
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
HADRON REACTIONS
HYDROGEN ISOTOPES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
ISOTOPES
LIGHT NUCLEI
METALS
NEUTRAL-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
NONMETALS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
NUCLEI
NUCLEON REACTIONS
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIATION TRANSPORT
RADIATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
RARE GASES
REACTOR COMPONENTS
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
700201* - Fusion Power Plant Technology- Blanket Engineering