Ryan Sacks

Parameter Study of an Inertial Fusion Energy Chamber Response Using the 1-D BUCKY Radiation Hydrodynamics Code

Abstract A parameter study of a proposed inertial fusion energy chamber is performed. A baseline case of a 6-m-radius chamber filled with 6 μg/cm3 of xenon is studied in detail. The maximum first-wall temperature is shown to be 1136 K with an overpressure of 5.83 + 10−3 MPa. A parameter sweep is conducted for the chamber by adjusting the first-wall radius from 4 to 14 m, changing the gas density and changing the fill gas from xenon to argon. The results set limits on the first-wall radius for different gases and densities. Analytic fits to simulation results allow their use in overall engine design trade-off studies.

Proposed pushered single shell capsule design for the investigation of mid/high Z mix on the NIF

The CD Mix campaign has given a detailed explination of the mix mechanics in the current ignition capsule designs by investigating the relationship between material mixing, shell-fuel interfaces, and the change in thermonuclear yield given a deuterated layer in the capsule. Alternative ignition scenarios include the use of double shell designs that incorporate high-Z material in the capsule. Simulations are conducted on a proposed capsule platform using the ARES code on a scaled capsule design using a partially reduced glass capsule design. This allows for the inclusion of deuterium on the inner surface of the pusher layer similar to the CD mix experiments. The presence of silicon dioxide allows for the investigation of the influence of higher Z material on the mixing characteristics.