ASSESSING NEUTRON DAMAGE IN FUSION REACTORS: A STUDY OF DISPLACEMENTS PER ATOM

Furthering the mission in developing nuclear fusion reactors, the selection of structural materials requires great attention.  And in order to create safe, cost-efficient, and reliable fusion power plants, studying material damage on the reactor is crucial. Moreover, ensuring reactor stability amidst fusion reactions heavily depends on component materials, properties of which must allow the reactor to withstand the extreme conditions. Experimenting with various materials for reactor components, this study measures displacement per atom (DPA), attempting to minimize radiation risks to the components inside the reactor. Using OpenMC, an open-source Monte Carlo tool to conduct simulations, the physics models allow us to calculate and better understand radiation limits and lifetime of the nuclear reactor. The neutronics calculations with OpenMC reveal materials’ relative strength under fusion reactions, using DPA values to rank potential choices, alongside their benefits and implications. This will help improve reactor designs and ensure human safety, furthering the critical fight against climate change through developing a clean, efficient, and safe source of energy.