Three-dimensional neutronics analysis of the European HCPB blanket test module in ITER

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Three-dimensional neutronic calculations were performed to analyse the nuclear and shielding performance of the European helium-cooled pebble bed blanket (HCPB) test module in ITER. The neutronic calculations were performed with the MCNP Monte Carlo transport code and nuclear data from the FENDL-1 nuclear data library. A 9° torus sector model of ITER with two identical HCPB blanket test modules in the central outboard blanket port formed the basis of the nuclear analysis. Calculations have been performed for both the ITER basic performance phase (BPP) with a water-cooled shielding blanket and the ITER extended performance phase (EPP) with a driver breeding blanket. The neutronic performance of the test blanket module is shown to be largely affected by the neutronic properties of the ITER blanket modules surrounding the test blanket port.