Views on Neutronics and Activation Issues Facing Liquid-Protected IFE Chambers

Thin and thick liquid walls provide an attractive solution to the challenging material issues facing the heavy-ion applications of the inertial fusion energy (IFE) concept. Given the many advantages of liquid-protected chambers, there are several nuclear-related concerns that are discussed in detail for the thick liquid wall option in particular. These are the ability to protect the steel-based structure from radiation damage and high activation, the feasibility of rewelding the structure, and the pulse-related problems. These issues have a profound impact on the ARIES-IFE thick-liquid protected chamber design.