Need for and requirements for a neutron irradiation facility for fusion materials testing

Abstract

The construction and operation of an intense 14-MeV neutron source is essential for the development and eventual qualification of structural materials for a fusion reactor demonstration plant (DEMO). Because of the time required for materials development and the scale-up of materials to commercial production, a decision to build a neutron source should precede engineering design activities for a DEMO by at least 20 years. The characteristic features of 14-MeV neutron damage are summarized including effects related to cascade structure, transmutation production, and dose rate. The importance of a 14-MeV neutron source for addressing fundamental radiation damage issues, alloy development activities, and the development of an engineering database is discussed. For these considerations, the basic requirements and machine parameters are derived.