Design of spectrally tailored fusion reactor materials experiments in the HFIR RB∗ capsule irradiation facility

• Published in: Journal of nuclear materials 1988-07, Vol.155-157, p.1346-1349
• Main Authors: Longest, A.W., Corum, J.E., Heatherly, D.W., Thoms, K.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-3115; 1873-4820
• DOI: 10.1016/0022-3115(88)90524-7

Design of four spectrally tailored capsules to irradiate magnetic fusion energy (MFE) materials specimens in the new High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) removable beryllium (RB∗) facility at temperatures of 60, 200, 330 and 400°C, is described. These designs incorporate provisions for removal, examination and reencapsulation of the specimens at intermediate exposure levels en route to a target exposure level of 30 displacements per atom (dpa). With the exception of the 60°C capsule, where the test specimens are in direct contact with the reactor cooling water, the specimen temperatures (monitored by 21 thermocouples) are controlled by varying the thermal conductance of a small gap region between the specimen holder and the containment tube. Hafnium shields are used to tailor the neutron spectrum to closely match the helium production-to-atom displacement ratio (14 appmdpa) expected in an austenitic stainless steel fusion reactor first wall. These MFE capsule irradiations will begin in early 1988.