Simulations of fusion neutron source based on the axially symmetric mirror trap for the thorium hybrid reactor

Abstract

The axially symmetric open mirror trap is considered as a neutron source for the hybrid thorium reactor. Plasma parameters are optimized in order to achieve the maximum neutron yield in the volume surrounded by the subcritical fuel assembly while meeting the stability criteria. For plasma consisting of equal amounts of deuterium and tritium isotopes, in the fuel assembly region, the neutron yield was found to be 0.6 × 1017 n/s at an input power of 20 MW, and it will increase to 2.6 × 1017 n/s if the input power increases two times. In optimal regimes, the plasma parameters were close to those achieved in experiments at the GDT facility.