Abstract
The capabilities of a DT fusion neutron source for driving a spentnuclear fuel transmutation reactor are characterized by identifyinglimits on transmutation rates that would be imposed by tokamak physicsand engineering limitations on fusion neutron source performance. Theneed for spent nuclear fuel transmutation and the need for a neutronsource to drive subcritical fission transmutation reactors arereviewed. The likely parameter ranges for tokamak neutron sourcesthat could produce an interesting transmutation rate of 100s to1000s of kg/FPY (where FPY stands for full power year) are identified (Pfus ≈ 10-100 MW, βN ≈ 2-3, Qp ≈ 2-5, R ≈ 3-5 m, I ≈ 6-10 MA). The electrical and thermal powercharacteristics of transmutation reactors driven by fusion andaccelerator spallation neutron sources are compared. The status offusion development vis-à-vis a neutron source is reviewed.
Published Version
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