3D Neutronic and Secondary Particles Analysis on YBa Cu O Tapes for Compact Fusion Reactors

• Published in: IEEE transactions on applied superconductivity Vol. 34; no. 3; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Ledda, Federico, Torsello, Daniele, Pettinari, Davide, Sparacio, Simone, Hartwig, Zachary, Zucchetti, Massimo, Laviano, Francesco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.05.2024; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Barium; Copper; Copper oxides; Fluence; Fusion reactors; High temperature superconductors; HTS radiation hardness. Compact fusion reactors; Inductors; Magnetic noise; Magnetic shielding; Monte Carlo simulation; Neutrons; Rare earth elements; Superconducting cables; Superconducting magnets; Three dimensional models
• ISSN: 1051-8223; 1558-2515
• DOI: 10.1109/TASC.2024.3379114

The development of compact fusion reactors relies on high temperature superconductors to generate the required high field. In this frame Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide tapes appear as the most promising solution. However, these tapes will experience a radiation harsh environment due to the high flux and fluence of energetic neutrons and of the secondary particles produced by the neutrons interaction with the materials. Realistic 3D Monte Carlo simulations represent the required tool to reliably estimate the radiation environment of the tapes, providing the starting point for experimental investigation of their radiation hardness and performance under working conditions. In this paper a comprehensive analysis of damage and energy deposition including secondary particles on a 3D model of a VIPER cable is carried out, starting from a 3D model of an ARC-class reactor.