Computational Modeling of the Axial-Cylindrical Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion Neutron Generator

Bromley, Blair Patrick

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Description

Title

Computational Modeling of the Axial-Cylindrical Inertial Electrostatic Confinement Fusion Neutron Generator

Author(s)

Bromley, Blair Patrick

Issue Date

2001

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Axford, Roy A.

Department of Study

Nuclear Engineering

Discipline

Nuclear Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Physics, Radiation

Language

eng

Abstract

The axial-cylindrical Inertial Electrostatic Confinement fusion neutron generator (IEC C-Device) is a high-voltage, low-pressure glow discharge device that produces neutrons from the deuterium-deuterium fusion reaction. Such a neutron source has potential applications for neutron activation analysis and capture therapies for cancer treatment. The IEC C-Device operating with deuterium fuel is modeled with the CHIMP computer code developed and written completely by the author to predict the fusion neutron generation rate and the plasma physics behavior using fundamental first principles. The CHIMP code is a time-dependent, spatially two-dimensional (r,z), particle-in-cell, Monte-Carlo-Collision (PIC-MCC) direct simulation model. The effects of secondary electron emission due to ion and electron impact on the metal electrodes and the glass walls and charge build-up on the glass wall are included. Either monatomic or molecular ions and electrons are modeled in a monatomic or molecular background neutral deuterium gas. CHIMP code predictions are compared against experimental results for the C-Device operating between 10 and 30 kV of anode voltage, between 10 and 40 mA of electrode current, and between 0.29 and 1.1 milliTorr of deuterium gas pressure. A calibration factor for the pressure accounts for the calibration of the ionization pressure gauge in the experiment, and an estimated pressure drop between the main chamber of the C-Device and the pressure gauge that is downstream of the exhaust port. Upgraded versions of the CHIMP code which have modifications to the algorithms for the boundary conditions, and which include charge exchange processes, and the contribution of fast neutrals to the neutron generation rate are also tested against several experimental data points. Although the CHIMP code gives predictions for the neutron generation rate that exhibit the same near-linear trends with current found in the experiment, it is apparent that at least five types of particle and many additional physical processes must be included in a more advanced simulation model to obtain better agreement between the model and the experiment.

Graduation Semester

2001

Type of Resource

text

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