Neutronics Studies for a Compact, High-Field Tokamak Neutron Source

A critical aspect of the design of a tokamak-based neutron source is to ensure that radiation limits of the structural and magnet-insulating materials are not approached during the lifetime of the tokamak. To this end, we present an exploratory neutronics study of a materials testing facility that is based on Ignitor, a high-field tokamak. It shown that sufficient radiation damage to test materials located in the Ignitor first wall can be obtained by sustaining a reaction rate of 3.33×10¹⁹ neutrons per second for 7 operational months. Solutions to mitigate terminal damage to the toroidal field coil insulators, including its substitution for modern radiation-resistant insulators and the use of advanced radiation shield materials, are explored, and their implication for the design of the facility is discussed.