Fast Reactors and Accelerator Driven Systems Knowledge Base

Conference Article: Analysis of different design options for the beam target of the energy amplifier demonstration facility

S. Buono, C. Aragonese, L. Maciocco, V. Moreau, L. Sorrentino

Abstract

A thermal fluid dynamic analysis of different design options of a high intensity proton beam target has been performed for the 80 MW Demonstration Facility of the Energy Amplifier proposed by C. Rubbia (EADF), presently under development in Italy by Ansaldo, CRS4, ENEA and INFN. The present machine is driven by a 600 MeV proton accelerator at a current varying from about 2 to 6 mA during the fuel cycle. Two options have been considered: (i) a "windowless" design, where the free surface of the spallation material (liquid Pb-Bi eutectic) is the interface with the void of the beam transport line, and (ii) a "window" design, where a physical separation is made by means of a 9Cr 1Mo V Nb martensitic steel hemispherical window. Both designs have advantages and drawbacks. The beam window is a delicate element whose lifetime is at present moment difficult to assess, since it is affected by the combined action of liquid metal corrosion, radiation damage (induced by protons and high energy neutrons interactions) and thermal fatigue (induced by stress cycling due to beam trips and beam interruptions). The windowless option is less sensible to radiation damage, but its design is more complex for the presence of a free surface flow and of Pb-Bi vapours in the beam pipe.

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key words: Fast Neutron Spectrum Systems, Nuclear Technology
Reference:
Proceedings of a Committee Meeting (TCM) on “Core Physics and Engineering Aspects of Emerging Nuclear Energy Systems for Energy Generation and Transmutation” held in Argonne, Illinois, U.S.A., 28 November - 1 December 2000
International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna (Austria)
IAEA-TECDOC--1356, pp:294-307