Thick Liquid Protection of Inertial Fusion Energy Chambers

Principal Investigator: Peterson

In fusion energy systems, 80 percent of the energy from fusion reactions
is released in the form of highly energetic neutrons. This energy
creates a major challenge for structural materials. First recognized
in the 1970’s, the use of a liquid layer to absorb the neutrons
and protect the structures can result in greatly increased lifespan,
more compact chambers, and greatly improved economics. These advantages
have made thick-liquid chamber protection the base-line approach
for Z-pinch and heavy-ion inertial fusion. At UCB, thick-liquid
research focuses the use of molten salts to protect fusion chambers,
using combinations of experiments, analysis, and detailed numerical
models.

Research Sponsors: DOE-OFES, SNL