Fusion

Cerberus Nuclear completed complex multi-layered shielding optimisation for the shielding of a spherical tokomak. This work involved the design and modelling of shielding layers comprised of various materials. Preliminary scoping calculations identified patterns in shielding designs allowing a short list of materials to be used in the final optimisation stage. A bespoke genetic algorithm combined with Cerberus Nuclear’s in-house software, Cyclone™, was used to optimise heating.

Due to the number of degrees of freedom running all possible combinations was not feasible, as a result, a genetic algorithm approach was used. A total of 50,000 different cases were executed on Cerberus Nuclear’s computer cluster with the genetic algorithm converging on the optimum material arrangement to minimise heating. 

Cerberus Nuclear has provided radiation shielding support to a spherical tokamak design. We provided radiation transport and shielding assessments for both deuterium gas (D-D) and deuterium - tritium (D-T) campaigns. This involved optioneering modelling for complex bioshield designs for the walls and roof of the shielding enclosure, intended to ensure adequate shielding around the reactor for both campaigns whilst simultaneously ensuring that constraints of weight and space were adhered to.

These calculations accounted for neutrons, gammas and secondary particle generation, for both D-D and D-T shot schedules. This work was performed primarily using MCNP, with SCALE used to provide independent cross-checks of the results, and looked at the contributions of skyshine in addition to the direct radiation contributions through the bioshield walls and roof.