Systems Modeling and Analysis of Heavy Ion Drivers for Inertial Fusion Energy

A computer model for systems analysis of heavy ion drivers based on induction linac technology has been used to evaluate driver designs for inertial fusion energy (IFE). Design parameters and estimated costs have been determined for drivers with: various ions; different charge states; different front-end designs; with and without beam merging; and various pulse compression and acceleration schedules. We have examined the sensitivity of the results to variations in component cost assumptions, design constraints, and selected design parameters.