Systems Studies for Heavy ion Fusion

System studies and driver design codes have guided the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) Program since its inception 50 years ago. These activities remain important. Thirty years ago the studies indicated that, compared to other IFE options, heavy ion fusion (HIF) was attractive [1, 2]. But, since the early 2000s, the HIF program has been a small, science oriented program with little emphasis on driver technology or power production. Nevertheless there have been important developments in related fields of science and engineering. These developments include dramatic advances in computers and simulation tools required for studies of beam dynamics. Moreover, important advances in high power switches, superconducting technology, and automated assembly lines have opened new possibilities that plausibly lead to a greatly improved vision for HIF. Evaluating these possibilities requires development of new systems and design codes to guide the program and reassess the promise of HIF. We are developing a new code. We will describe it and present results and conclusions.

References:

[1] Department of Energy Report DOE/ER-54100, W. J. Shafer Associates Report WJSA-92-01, “Osiris and Sombrero Inertial Fusion Power Plant Designs” (March 1992)

[2] Department of Energy Report DOE/ER-54101, McDonnell Douglas Report MCC 92E008, “Inertial Fusion Energy Reactor Design Studies, Prometheus-L and Prometheus-H” (March 1992)