David A. Petti

Safety and environmental considerations in the design of the Fusion Ignition Research Experiment

The Fusion Ignition Research Experiment (FIRE) is being designed as a next step option in the U.S. Fusion program. Based upon a review of the DOE Fusion Safety Standard, inventory thresholds for DOE facility hazard classification, radiological release limits to meet the no-evacuation objective, key safety functions, and the potential safety concerns that could threaten the safety functions have been identified. Safety analysis calculations of these events have been performed and the resulting thermal hydraulic behavior and radiological consequences are discussed. We conclude with an overall assessment of the safety of FIRE at this stage in the design process and discuss our future plans.

Modular Pebble-Bed Reactor Project: Laboratory-Directed Research and Development Program FY 2002 Annual Report

This report documents the results of our research in FY-02 on pebble-bed reactor technology under our Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project entitled the Modular Pebble-Bed Reactor. The MPBR is an advanced reactor concept that can meet the energy and environmental needs of future generations under DOE’s Generation IV initiative. Our work is focused in three areas: neutronics, core design and fuel cycle; reactor safety and thermal hydraulics; and fuel performance.