Exploring Fission-Fusion Cycles through Experiments and MCNP Simulations for Advanced Nuclear Applications

Recently, Steinetz et al. at the NASA Glenn Research Center introduced a novel lattice-confined fusion reaction in titanium and erbium deuterides, suggesting a potential breakthrough in nuclear power generation. This deserved close scrutiny and experimental repetition attempts. We report experimental results from attempts to identify the specific mechanism responsible for this fusion reaction. In the first experiment, the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) irradiated sealed TiD₂ samples and quantitative tritium measurements following extraction were used to measure the rate of any neutron collision-induced D-D fusion. In addition, these experiments have prompted exploration of alternative nuclear cycles that may be more promising.

We are exploring a new, light-element, fission–fusion nuclear cycle involving lithium deuteride, with applications in future nuclear rocket designs and electric power generation. Utilizing the newly approved P-385 D-T 14-MeV neutron generator at Texas Tech, we are conducting irradiation experiments on LiD, LiOD, TiD₂, and ErD₃ samples in an effort to isolate specific reaction pathways. We will present results from these new irradiation experiments alongside the Monte Carlo n-Particle (MCNP) simulations used to validate them.