Taking that sketch with him, Chief Engineer Wang left the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute and returned to the Nuclear Industry Group Headquarters in Shangjing that day. He also contacted experts in the field of magnetic fluid power generation in the Engineering Academy to discuss the possible development of magnetic fluid power generation technology. The feasibility of application in controlled fusion devices was discussed.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
Although the problem is serious, Lu Zhou has hope to solve it!
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
Taking that sketch with him, Chief Engineer Wang left the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute and returned to the Nuclear Industry Group Headquarters in Shangjing that day. He also contacted experts in the field of magnetic fluid power generation in the Engineering Academy to discuss the possible development of magnetic fluid power generation technology. The feasibility of application in controlled fusion devices was discussed.
Ditch metal materials
However, although the team leader left, the working group of the Nuclear Industry Group still stayed in Jinling, constantly communicating with researchers from the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute on technical issues.
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
"I have reviewed relevant literature and found that using carbon fiber to replace part of the austenitic steel and tungsten steel structures is a technology route that is as promising as nanoceramics in the international field of controlled fusion!"
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
After receiving sufficient funding, the institute had the luxury of conducting experiments every three days, using hydrogen and helium as research objects respectively to observe various complex physical properties of plasma in the stellarator.
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
The laboratory fell silent again.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
In order to collect valuable data, Lu Zhou even ordered 1 mg of precious deuterium/tritium mixture to be injected into the reaction chamber, risking damage to the first wall material and conducting a pilot fire.
Not only did they verify the feasibility of this technical idea to achieve fusion reaction ignition, they also obtained a lithium sheet that had been bombarded by a neutron beam carrying 14 MeV energy.
Isn't this a bit too avant-garde
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
In fact, this experiment did cause some damage to the STAR device, but fortunately the damage was still within the repairable range. But even so, the entire device must not be shut down for maintenance for a month.
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
"I have reviewed relevant literature and found that using carbon fiber to replace part of the austenitic steel and tungsten steel structures is a technology route that is as promising as nanoceramics in the international field of controlled fusion!"
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
After receiving sufficient funding, the institute had the luxury of conducting experiments every three days, using hydrogen and helium as research objects respectively to observe various complex physical properties of plasma in the stellarator.
Not only did they verify the feasibility of this technical idea to achieve fusion reaction ignition, they also obtained a lithium sheet that had been bombarded by a neutron beam carrying 14 MeV energy.
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
In the country, they are probably the only ones who can do such a luxurious experiment.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
However, although the team leader left, the working group of the Nuclear Industry Group still stayed in Jinling, constantly communicating with researchers from the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute on technical issues.
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
Ditch metal materials
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
At this point, Lu Zhou paused and continued, "As for your first question, such a material cannot be found in alloys. So, we might as well throw away the entire metal!"
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
"If we can't keep the neutron beam in, why wouldn't we consider putting them in?"
Ditch metal materials
As for the frustrating thing...
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
There was no need for Lu Zhou to speak this time. Professor Li Changxia shook his head, "It's a common problem. There is nothing wrong with the heat resistance of tungsten, but its plasticity is too poor. Thermal stress will cause cracks on the surface of the material... I am in the DIII-D laboratory. When I was visiting, there was a report there that specifically discussed this issue. In short, it is impossible to use tungsten."
They face so many problems that they can't be covered in just a few words.
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
"No metal is used as structural material?" Professor Li Changxia looked at Lu Zhou in surprise, "Then what is used?"
Hearing these two questions, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and said, "The second problem is actually not difficult to solve. At the working temperature of liquid lithium, both tritium and helium exist in gaseous form, and both are Incompatible."
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
But as Lu Zhou said, this idea seems feasible.
Looking at the images on the computer screen, Professor Li Changxia sighed softly.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
"I bet this thing will shatter at the slightest touch."
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
this…
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
"Use carbon," Lu Zhou paused for a moment and said in a positive tone, "or to be more precise, use carbon fiber composite materials!"
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
At least, it's worth a try!
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
"I bet this thing will shatter at the slightest touch."
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
They face so many problems that they can't be covered in just a few words.
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
Ditch metal materials
Not only did they verify the feasibility of this technical idea to achieve fusion reaction ignition, they also obtained a lithium sheet that had been bombarded by a neutron beam carrying 14 MeV energy.
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
Looking at the images on the computer screen, Professor Li Changxia sighed softly.
Not only did they verify the feasibility of this technical idea to achieve fusion reaction ignition, they also obtained a lithium sheet that had been bombarded by a neutron beam carrying 14 MeV energy.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
As for the frustrating thing...
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
The carbon core is relatively stable and does not easily react with neutrons, and can play a certain buffering role for the neutron beam, so that when the neutron beam comes into contact with the liquid lithium layer, most neutron beams will not directly penetrate it. .
Isn't this a bit too avant-garde
There is also the issue of volume changes caused by the solidification of liquid lithium during shutdown...
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
There was no need for Lu Zhou to speak this time. Professor Li Changxia shook his head, "It's a common problem. There is nothing wrong with the heat resistance of tungsten, but its plasticity is too poor. Thermal stress will cause cracks on the surface of the material... I am in the DIII-D laboratory. When I was visiting, there was a report there that specifically discussed this issue. In short, it is impossible to use tungsten."
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
"Therefore, why don't we make the first wall a material that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability, and then use liquid 63 lithium behind the first wall to recover neutrons. As for the other side of the 63 lithium, use A layer of beryllium metal coating serves to reflect neutrons that penetrate the liquid lithium layer without reacting."
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
The laboratory fell silent again.
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
this…
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
Recycling the neutrons produced in the DT fusion reaction is a key part of the entire nuclear fusion reactor technology. After all, the price of tritium resources is more than tens of thousands of times that of deuterium. Not only is it sold in grams, but the cost of one gram is as high as 30,000 US dollars (17 annual data).
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
At this time, Lu Zhou, who had been staring at the data on the screen, suddenly spoke.
At least, it's worth a try!
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
After receiving sufficient funding, the institute had the luxury of conducting experiments every three days, using hydrogen and helium as research objects respectively to observe various complex physical properties of plasma in the stellarator.
"If we can't keep the neutron beam in, why wouldn't we consider putting them in?"
Hearing these two questions, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and said, "The second problem is actually not difficult to solve. At the working temperature of liquid lithium, both tritium and helium exist in gaseous form, and both are Incompatible."
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
Recycling the neutrons produced in the DT fusion reaction is a key part of the entire nuclear fusion reactor technology. After all, the price of tritium resources is more than tens of thousands of times that of deuterium. Not only is it sold in grams, but the cost of one gram is as high as 30,000 US dollars (17 annual data).
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
If the neutrons generated by the reaction cannot be recovered, not only will it cause a large amount of energy loss, but it will also cause the reactor to "shut down" due to the loss of tritium.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
this…
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
Another researcher continued to suggest: "What about tungsten? Tungsten has good heat resistance, and the transmutation products are osmium and rhenium, so there is no radioactivity problem!"
"Therefore, why don't we make the first wall a material that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability, and then use liquid 63 lithium behind the first wall to recover neutrons. As for the other side of the 63 lithium, use A layer of beryllium metal coating serves to reflect neutrons that penetrate the liquid lithium layer without reacting."
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
Isn't this a bit too avant-garde
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
Is it using ceramics
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
"Use carbon," Lu Zhou paused for a moment and said in a positive tone, "or to be more precise, use carbon fiber composite materials!"
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
Although some research institutes have tried this, and the effect is acceptable, the fatal thing is that the thermal conductivity of ceramics is really poor.
"Then, we just need to recycle the exhausted 'gas' above the entire system."
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
At this point, Lu Zhou paused and continued, "As for your first question, such a material cannot be found in alloys. So, we might as well throw away the entire metal!"
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
"Therefore, why don't we make the first wall a material that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability, and then use liquid 63 lithium behind the first wall to recover neutrons. As for the other side of the 63 lithium, use A layer of beryllium metal coating serves to reflect neutrons that penetrate the liquid lithium layer without reacting."
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
Looking at the images on the computer screen, Professor Li Changxia sighed softly.
In fact, this experiment did cause some damage to the STAR device, but fortunately the damage was still within the repairable range. But even so, the entire device must not be shut down for maintenance for a month.
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
In order to collect valuable data, Lu Zhou even ordered 1 mg of precious deuterium/tritium mixture to be injected into the reaction chamber, risking damage to the first wall material and conducting a pilot fire.
The generated tritium and helium as exhaust gas are re-injected into the reaction chamber for heating and ionization. As for how to remove helium from the reactor, this is the job of the divertor.
"I bet this thing will shatter at the slightest touch."
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
Sheng Xianfu lowered his head and thought for a while. He felt that this method seemed feasible, but he always felt that there were problems everywhere.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
"I have reviewed relevant literature and found that using carbon fiber to replace part of the austenitic steel and tungsten steel structures is a technology route that is as promising as nanoceramics in the international field of controlled fusion!"
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
After thinking for a while, he picked out the two most obvious questions and asked them.
this…
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
As for what kind of carbon fiber composite materials to choose and how to solve the self-healing problem of carbon fiber composite materials, this topic will be researched by the Materials Research Institute of Jinling Institute of Advanced Studies.
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
Ditch metal materials
Is it using ceramics
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
Hearing these two questions, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and said, "The second problem is actually not difficult to solve. At the working temperature of liquid lithium, both tritium and helium exist in gaseous form, and both are Incompatible."
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
"Then, we just need to recycle the exhausted 'gas' above the entire system."
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
"I have reviewed relevant literature and found that using carbon fiber to replace part of the austenitic steel and tungsten steel structures is a technology route that is as promising as nanoceramics in the international field of controlled fusion!"
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
"Then, we just need to recycle the exhausted 'gas' above the entire system."
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
Recycling the neutrons produced in the DT fusion reaction is a key part of the entire nuclear fusion reactor technology. After all, the price of tritium resources is more than tens of thousands of times that of deuterium. Not only is it sold in grams, but the cost of one gram is as high as 30,000 US dollars (17 annual data).
The generated tritium and helium as exhaust gas are re-injected into the reaction chamber for heating and ionization. As for how to remove helium from the reactor, this is the job of the divertor.
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
Isn't this a bit too avant-garde
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
In fact, this experiment did cause some damage to the STAR device, but fortunately the damage was still within the repairable range. But even so, the entire device must not be shut down for maintenance for a month.
Ditch metal materials
Although some research institutes have tried this, and the effect is acceptable, the fatal thing is that the thermal conductivity of ceramics is really poor.
At this point, Lu Zhou paused and continued, "As for your first question, such a material cannot be found in alloys. So, we might as well throw away the entire metal!"
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
In the laboratory outside the isolation room, Lu Zhou and other researchers stood in front of the computer and saw the data and pictures collected from the scanning electron microscope on the screen.
They face so many problems that they can't be covered in just a few words.
Ditch metal materials
There is also the issue of volume changes caused by the solidification of liquid lithium during shutdown...
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
At least, it's worth a try!
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
this…
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
At this point, Lu Zhou paused and continued, "As for your first question, such a material cannot be found in alloys. So, we might as well throw away the entire metal!"
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
Especially for the latter, its scientific research value cannot be converted into money.
"Then, we just need to recycle the exhausted 'gas' above the entire system."
Isn't this a bit too avant-garde
At least, it's worth a try!
After thinking for a while, he picked out the two most obvious questions and asked them.
Ditch metal materials
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
"If we can't keep the neutron beam in, why wouldn't we consider putting them in?"
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
Recycling the neutrons produced in the DT fusion reaction is a key part of the entire nuclear fusion reactor technology. After all, the price of tritium resources is more than tens of thousands of times that of deuterium. Not only is it sold in grams, but the cost of one gram is as high as 30,000 US dollars (17 annual data).
"No metal is used as structural material?" Professor Li Changxia looked at Lu Zhou in surprise, "Then what is used?"
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
"Letting them go does not mean letting them go. Theoretically, no matter how we design the structure of the first wall, we cannot avoid the destruction of metal bonds by the neutron beam. However, the self-healing ability of metal is too poor, and there are even more difficulties. Solved transmutation problem.”
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
There is also the issue of volume changes caused by the solidification of liquid lithium during shutdown...
Is it using ceramics
A neutron carrying 14Mev energy is like a cannonball, and all metal keys are as vulnerable as toys in front of it.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
The laboratory fell silent again.
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
At this time, Lu Zhou, who had been staring at the data on the screen, suddenly spoke.
Although some research institutes have tried this, and the effect is acceptable, the fatal thing is that the thermal conductivity of ceramics is really poor.
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
They face so many problems that they can't be covered in just a few words.
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
Taking that sketch with him, Chief Engineer Wang left the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute and returned to the Nuclear Industry Group Headquarters in Shangjing that day. He also contacted experts in the field of magnetic fluid power generation in the Engineering Academy to discuss the possible development of magnetic fluid power generation technology. The feasibility of application in controlled fusion devices was discussed.
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
There was no need for Lu Zhou to speak this time. Professor Li Changxia shook his head, "It's a common problem. There is nothing wrong with the heat resistance of tungsten, but its plasticity is too poor. Thermal stress will cause cracks on the surface of the material... I am in the DIII-D laboratory. When I was visiting, there was a report there that specifically discussed this issue. In short, it is impossible to use tungsten."
"Use carbon," Lu Zhou paused for a moment and said in a positive tone, "or to be more precise, use carbon fiber composite materials!"
Ditch metal materials
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
There is also the issue of volume changes caused by the solidification of liquid lithium during shutdown...
this…
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
"Use carbon," Lu Zhou paused for a moment and said in a positive tone, "or to be more precise, use carbon fiber composite materials!"
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
The carbon core is relatively stable and does not easily react with neutrons, and can play a certain buffering role for the neutron beam, so that when the neutron beam comes into contact with the liquid lithium layer, most neutron beams will not directly penetrate it. .
Ditch metal materials
The generated tritium and helium as exhaust gas are re-injected into the reaction chamber for heating and ionization. As for how to remove helium from the reactor, this is the job of the divertor.
After thinking for a while, he picked out the two most obvious questions and asked them.
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
If the neutrons generated by the reaction cannot be recovered, not only will it cause a large amount of energy loss, but it will also cause the reactor to "shut down" due to the loss of tritium.
"Molybdenum is not good," Lu Zhou rejected the suggestion in an instant. He shook his head and said, "Molybdenum has good heat resistance, but it will transform into a radioactive element under neutron irradiation."
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
"No metal is used as structural material?" Professor Li Changxia looked at Lu Zhou in surprise, "Then what is used?"
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
Through the detection of an infrared spectrometer, traces of helium and tritium elements can even be observed in the winding channels.
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
"No metal is used as structural material?" Professor Li Changxia looked at Lu Zhou in surprise, "Then what is used?"
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
The carbon core is relatively stable and does not easily react with neutrons, and can play a certain buffering role for the neutron beam, so that when the neutron beam comes into contact with the liquid lithium layer, most neutron beams will not directly penetrate it. .
Hearing Sheng Xianfu's rhetorical question, Lu Zhou smiled lightly and continued.
Taking that sketch with him, Chief Engineer Wang left the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute and returned to the Nuclear Industry Group Headquarters in Shangjing that day. He also contacted experts in the field of magnetic fluid power generation in the Engineering Academy to discuss the possible development of magnetic fluid power generation technology. The feasibility of application in controlled fusion devices was discussed.
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
This design is equivalent to sandwiching liquid lithium between the first wall and beryllium.
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
After looking around at everyone in the laboratory, Lu Zhou said: "Completely remove the low-activation metal material from the first wall and use carbon fiber as the first wall material and main structural material. The middle layer is filled with liquid lithium, and the outer layer is filled with lithium." Beryllium coating, which reflects neutrons. The shielding layer is made of a mixture of paraffin and water and boron carbide, and is coated with nuclear power cement. In this way, we have every hope of solving the problem of tritium retention!"
"No metal is used as structural material?" Professor Li Changxia looked at Lu Zhou in surprise, "Then what is used?"
The generated tritium and helium as exhaust gas are re-injected into the reaction chamber for heating and ionization. As for how to remove helium from the reactor, this is the job of the divertor.
The moment he heard these words, not only Sheng Xianfu who asked the question, but also everyone in the laboratory, including Professor Li Changxia, was stunned.
As for what kind of carbon fiber composite materials to choose and how to solve the self-healing problem of carbon fiber composite materials, this topic will be researched by the Materials Research Institute of Jinling Institute of Advanced Studies.
"But where can you find the material you mentioned that allows neutrons to pass through and has strong self-healing ability? Even after moving the lithium material to the first wall material, we still cannot solve the damage to structural materials caused by neutron radiation. .And, as you said, recovering the tritium after the first wall, how do we move it back into the reactor from behind the first wall?"
Is it using ceramics
In an ideal fusion reactor, both tritium and neutrons should be preserved as intermediate products, and the final waste produced is only helium and heat.
Fortunately, this shows that the neutron beam carrying 14MeV energy did react with 63Li, and they successfully recovered a part of the tritium element in the experiment.
Although the problem is serious, Lu Zhou has hope to solve it!
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
After thinking for a while, he picked out the two most obvious questions and asked them.
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
Although the problem is serious, Lu Zhou has hope to solve it!
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
Recycling the neutrons produced in the DT fusion reaction is a key part of the entire nuclear fusion reactor technology. After all, the price of tritium resources is more than tens of thousands of times that of deuterium. Not only is it sold in grams, but the cost of one gram is as high as 30,000 US dollars (17 annual data).
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
Although the problem is serious, Lu Zhou has hope to solve it!
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
There was no need for Lu Zhou to speak this time. Professor Li Changxia shook his head, "It's a common problem. There is nothing wrong with the heat resistance of tungsten, but its plasticity is too poor. Thermal stress will cause cracks on the surface of the material... I am in the DIII-D laboratory. When I was visiting, there was a report there that specifically discussed this issue. In short, it is impossible to use tungsten."
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
The two materials differ by two orders of magnitude in terms of resistance to radiation damage.
Ditch metal materials
If the heat generated cannot be removed from the reactor, problems will eventually occur.
But he was interrupted by Sheng Xianfu only halfway through his sentence.
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
Taking that sketch with him, Chief Engineer Wang left the STAR Stellar Simulator Research Institute and returned to the Nuclear Industry Group Headquarters in Shangjing that day. He also contacted experts in the field of magnetic fluid power generation in the Engineering Academy to discuss the possible development of magnetic fluid power generation technology. The feasibility of application in controlled fusion devices was discussed.
"No, I can't say for sure... There is really hope in doing so!"
What he wanted to say was that this was incredible.
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
"Then, we just need to recycle the exhausted 'gas' above the entire system."
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
At the same time, the experiments on the STAR device did not stop there.
Although the problem is serious, Lu Zhou has hope to solve it!
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
As for the heat resistance, there is no problem at all.
Until now, their research has entered unknown territory, which also means that there is no previous experience to refer to. What to do next and how to solve these problems are all up to them to think about.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
"I have reviewed relevant literature and found that using carbon fiber to replace part of the austenitic steel and tungsten steel structures is a technology route that is as promising as nanoceramics in the international field of controlled fusion!"
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
After thinking for a moment, Professor Li Changxia tried to suggest: "How about using molybdenum as the structural material?"
"If we can't keep the neutron beam in, why wouldn't we consider putting them in?"
Of course, although the cost is high, the rewards are also quite generous.
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
"Let it go?" Sheng Xianfu was stunned for a moment, then smiled and shook his head, "If we let it go, how can we recover the neutrons produced by the reaction?"
When not in contact with air and oxidants, carbon fiber materials can withstand high temperatures of more than 3,000 degrees, which is comparable to the melting point of tungsten, fully meeting the needs of first wall materials!
Interrupting Professor Li's words, Sheng Xianfu kept rubbing his chin with his index finger, and the look in his eyes became brighter and brighter.
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
Not only did they verify the feasibility of this technical idea to achieve fusion reaction ignition, they also obtained a lithium sheet that had been bombarded by a neutron beam carrying 14 MeV energy.
Is it using ceramics
If the heat cannot be taken away in time, there is a risk that the liquid lithium in the entire "liquid lithium neutron recovery system" will be vaporized. At least it will be involved in the reactor together with the tritium-helium mixture generated by the reaction. At worst, it may even destroy the entire The reactor blew up...
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
Professor Li Changxia couldn't help but said: "This is too..."
Therefore, it is impossible to let go of the neutron, and you must keep it no matter what.
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
At this point, Lu Zhou paused and continued, "As for your first question, such a material cannot be found in alloys. So, we might as well throw away the entire metal!"
"However, carbon fiber composite materials are used to completely replace metal materials as the main body of structural materials, and the decelerated neutron beam is placed outside the cladding material to react with liquid lithium, and then the tritium in the liquid lithium is recovered through transportation... these This is the first time I’ve heard of it.”
This was not a sudden idea that Lu Zhou came up with. He had been thinking about it for a long time before. He had even considered it when he was chatting with Professor Kleiber at the Spiral Stone 7-X Research Institute.
There is also the issue of volume changes caused by the solidification of liquid lithium during shutdown...
As for whether to choose a water-cooled divertor, a tungsten-copper divertor, or other divertors, the choice will be made based on the specific needs at that time. Although this part of the technology is critical, it is not an insurmountable difficulty.
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
In order to collect valuable data, Lu Zhou even ordered 1 mg of precious deuterium/tritium mixture to be injected into the reaction chamber, risking damage to the first wall material and conducting a pilot fire.
The difficulty is probably not small, and it is not just a problem with the carbon fiber composite material itself. For example, in temperature control. The working temperature of the carbon fiber material of the first wall is around 3000 degrees, while the boiling point of lithium metal is only 1340 degrees.
The carbon core is relatively stable and does not easily react with neutrons, and can play a certain buffering role for the neutron beam, so that when the neutron beam comes into contact with the liquid lithium layer, most neutron beams will not directly penetrate it. .
The laboratory fell silent again.
Sheng Xianfu shook his head: "Not only is the problem of radiation damage, but the reproduction ratio of tritium production is also too low. And the most critical issue is not the recycling itself. The energy carried by the neutron beam is too high, and it often does not interact with the surface. The 63Li reacts and instead runs around inside the cladding material. Even if the tritium we need is generated, it is left inside the material and cannot be released at all."
But as Lu Zhou said, this idea seems feasible.
This is also one of the main reasons why fission reactor cladding materials cannot be directly used in fusion reactors.
Moreover, the neutrons that penetrate the first wall are not just as simple as punching a hole in the first wall. They will form a cavity inside the first wall material like a balloon, eventually leading to the overall collapse of the first wall material. Swelling, embrittlement, or even surface material falling off can cause serious accidents.
Just as they expected, the originally neat metal surface was now riddled with holes.
The laboratory fell silent again.
The part of the energy reduced by the carbon fiber layer will be released in the form of heat energy, and with its own good thermal conductivity, it can also easily export the heat generated inside the reactor.
At least, it's worth a try!
But as Lu Zhou said, this idea seems feasible.
"No need to bet, even if it has not been bombarded by a neutron beam, this thing is not very strong." Lu Zhou said casually while staring at the hard-earned data on the computer screen.
After thinking for a while, he picked out the two most obvious questions and asked them.
"We only need to exert a weak upward force on the entire liquid lithium neutron recovery system to transport the generated tritium to the top of the entire system."
At this moment, this hard-won lithium metal flake was lying quietly in a specially treated oxygen-free glass slide, and was placed under a scanning electron microscope for observation by staff wearing protective clothing.