Thermal stress waves with applications to laser fusion reactors

Abstract

A closed-form solution is developed for stress waves in a solid resulting from volumetric energy deposition. The material is linear elastic and the geometry a plate or slab-like component. One dimensional waves perpendicular to the surface are considered. Such a model can be used to describe the response for plates or thin shells. The problem is relevant to the design of liners and first wall structure of laser fusion reactors. For demonstration purposes, examples are presented based upon the University of Wisconsin SOLASE conceptual power plant. It is shown that X-rays and reflected long wavelength laser light produce relatively small amplitude waves but short wavelength reflected laser light can produce stresses of significant amplitude.