Test Strategy for the European HCPB Test Blanket Module in ITER

Neutronics design and supporting experimental activities in the EU

“…8 shows the comparison of the neutron spectra calculated in two different positions in the mock-up (corresponding to beryllium and to the breeder ceramic, respectively), and in the correspondent positions in the TBM. The spectra are very similar, showing that the mock-up is actually representative of the TBM, although the spectrum in the mock-up breeder material is softer than in the TBM because no 6 Li enrichment is considered.…”

“…For example, the sensitivities of neutron flux spectra behind the breeder unit to Be, 6 Li, 7 Li, Si, O cross-sections were obtained with MCSEN using the point detector estimator. The highest sensitivities of the neutron flux are found to 9 Be(n, elastic) (E < 1 eV, 2.57%/%), to 9 Be(n,2n) (10 < E < 15 MeV, 1.19%/%), 6 Li(n, ␣) (E < 1 eV, 1.01%/%). The sensitivity of 6 Li(n,t) has been calculated as well in the Table 1 Sensitivity and uncertainty of 6 Li(n,t) reaction rate to cross-sections in the deepest position where the TPR is measured in the TBM mockup…”

“…The present EU development activity is focused on two breeding blanket concepts, namely the heliumcooled pebble bed blanket, employing lithium ceramic pebbles as breeder (Li 4 SiO 4 or Li 2 TiO 3 ) and beryllium as neutron multiplier [6], and the helium-cooled lithium lead blanket employing the Li-Pb eutectic alloy as breeder and neutron multiplier [7]. Both blanket concepts have been considered in the PPCS as candidates for the employment in short-term fusion power reactors [2].…”

“…The Monte Carlo transport code McDeLicious [17] was developed as an extension to MCNP to handle the d-Li neutron source generation on the basis of evaluated d + 6,7 Li data for IFMIF neutronics calculations. The intermediate energy activation file IEAF-2001 [18] was developed as part of the IFMIF project, and includes 679 target nuclides from Z = 1 (hydrogen) to 84 (polonium) with neutron-induced reactions from 10 −5 eV to 150 MeV.…”

“…In the mock-up, Li 2 CO 3 powder (natural6 Li enrichment) is the breeder material. In the TBM, the breeder material is Li 4 SiO 4 with 40% 6 Li enrichment.…”