NE Postdoctoral Projects

Category: Fusion Systems

FUSION BLANKET AND SHIELD STUDIES

This activity is concerned with a general design evaluation of first wall/blanket/shield components of fusion reactors. Various combinations of blanket structural material/coolant/neutron multiplier/ tritium breeding material are being reviewed to develop a well-defined set of design criteria. Experimental and analytical activities on first-wall, blanket, and shield components are underway to develop design tools for reactor first-wall, blanket, and shield including neutronics, thermal hydraulics, structural mechanics, and blanket modules for testing in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Contact: Yousry Gohar
| Fax: +1 630-252-4500

FUSION MATERIALS STUDIES

Investigations are conducted to develop an understanding of the effects of a fusion-reactor environment on the properties and performance of candidate blanket materials; structural, breeder, neutron multiplier, first wall tile, and ceramic coating materials. These efforts are focused on low-activation alloys and electrically insulating coatings, and include investigations of irradiation effects, corrosion/compatibility, mechanical properties and welding. This activity includes evaluation and correlations of fission-reactor and ion irradiations to simulate the displacement damage and transmutation reactions characteristic of a fusion neutron spectrum.
Contact: Yousry Gohar
| Fax: +1 630-252-4500

FUSION BLANKET TECHNOLOGY TESTING

This research involves development and testing of fundamental technologies required for tritium breeding blankets. An important aspect of this effort for liquid metal blanket is the development of electrically insulating coatings on structural materials to mitigate magnetohydrodynamic effects associated with a flowing liquid metal in high magnetic fields. This activity includes development of ceramic breeding materials, neutron multiplier materials, tritium recovery from liquid and ceramic breeding materials and neutronic analysis of tritium breeding capability, activation and afterheat of irradiated materials, structural analyses of the blanket design, and shielding characteristics.
Contact: Yousry Gohar
| Fax: +1 630-252-4500

FUSION TRANSMUTER BLANKETS

Investigations are conducted to develop fusion transmuter blankets using a very modest fusion neutron source based on the existing fusion technology. These fusion blanket concepts are simultaneously capable of utilizing the transuranic elements for energy production and transmuting long-lived fission products. The main objective is to develop and characterize this innovative energy system, determine its performance, and address the required R&D.
Contact: Yousry Gohar
| Fax: +1 630-252-4500

LIQUID METAL TECHNOLOGY FOR FUSION

This project involves several related areas of liquid metal technology for fusion. An electrically insulating coating is needed to reduce the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) pressure drop in a liquid lithium blanket cooling system. Theoretical modeling of liquid metal flows inside magnetic fields within coolant ducts having electrically non-conducting and conducting walls is being developed. Equipment necessary for applying and testing electrically insulating coatings is being designed.
Contact: Yousry Gohar
| Fax: +1 630-252-4500