Anay Garodia

Optimisation of Breeding Blanket Composition in a DT Spherical Fusion Generator

Started Nov. 30, 2023

Abstract or project description

Nuclear fusion, a promising candidate for long-term clean energy production, is the focus of numerous global experiments. Despite its potential, achieving self-sustaining and commercially viable fusion reactions presents significant engineering challenges. These include maintaining extremely high temperatures and pressures in the device’s plasma region, managing the high-energy (14.07 MeV) neutrons produced in a deuterium-tritium (D-T) reaction that can damage the walls, and sustaining the reaction over extended periods. Two critical factors in assessing the commercial viability and longevity of a fusion generator are the Tritium Breeding Ratio (TBR) and the Displacement per Atom (DPA).

This research paper explores various factors influencing the TBR and DPA in a fusion generator and seeks to determine the optimal thickness and material for the breeding blanket layer in a spherical generator design. The study employs neutronics simulations with the OpenMC module. The results provide valuable insights into the generator’s performance. Given the short half-life of tritium (approximately 12.33 years), a key fuel in the D-T reaction, it is crucial to generate tritium within the generator itself. Achieving a TBR greater than unity is vital for the commercial feasibility of a fusion device, as it indicates that it produces more tritium than it consumes. Minimising the DPA experienced by the generator walls is also important, as high DPA values can alter the physical and mechanical properties of the material.