Neutronics Studies of Fusion Blankets: Results on a Simulated Lithium-Lead Module

A first series of experiments have been carried out on a simulated lithium-lead (Li₁₇Pb₈₃) fusion blanket module. Solid pellets of lithium and lead were placed inside SS-304 tubes. The assembly had a pseudocylindrical configuration. Measurements of spatial profiles of reaction rates, using zirconium and indium foils, and tritium breeding ratio, using Li₂CO₃ disks, were carried out in the central rod of the assembly. Experimental results were compared to two dimensional DORT and three dimensional MCNP calculaions and are reported in this article.