ITER full model in MCNP for radiation safety demonstration.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Fusion Energy Research
• Computational Physics

Background:

• Growing global energy demand and climate change necessitate clean, virtually limitless power sources like nuclear fusion.
• The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is a leading global initiative in fusion energy development.
• Current radiation safety assessments for ITER rely on complex, segmented 3D nuclear analyses using MCNP, leading to challenges in study robustness and conclusions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integral MCNP model of the entire ITER facility to overcome limitations of current radiation safety analysis methods.
• To demonstrate the computational practicality and relevance of this integrated model for ITER's safety case.
• To support ongoing design tasks and enhance the overall robustness of the ITER radiation safety demonstration.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive, integral MCNP model of the ITER facility, referred to as the 'ITER full model'.
• Integration and improvements to the D1SUNED code for enhanced simulation capabilities.
• Execution of two key simulations relevant to the ITER safety case using the developed model.

Main Results:

• Successful creation of the ITER full model, representing a significant advancement in nuclear analysis for fusion facilities.
• Demonstration of the model's computational practicality and pertinence through meaningful safety simulations.
• The integrated model simplifies 3D nuclear analysis, reducing complexity and improving the reliability of safety conclusions.

Conclusions:

• The ITER full model significantly enhances the ability to demonstrate adequate radiation safety for the ITER project.
• This integrated modeling approach streamlines complex safety studies and strengthens the scientific basis for ITER's safety case.
• The developed model is a crucial tool for supporting remaining design tasks and ensuring the safe operation of future fusion power plants.