Neutronics Performance Characteristics of the High Power Density Evolve First Wall/Blanket System

The neutronics performance of the EVOLVE concept was analyzed using two-dimensional calculations. The vapor fraction in the boiling blanket has a small impact on the nuclear performance parameters. For the worst case condition with the highest predicted vapor fraction distribution, all nuclear performance parameters are acceptable with a comfortable margin. The EVOLVE boiling blanket is expected to perform adequately from the neutronics point of view for any of the boiling regimes considered. Analysis was performed also for a preliminary design of the transpiration blanket option indicating that it will also have adequate nuclear performance parameters.