Shutdown Dose Rate Modeling for Radiation Requirements Development and Design Trend Analysis in the ARC Fusion Device
Name
murphy-dtmurphy-mba-mgt-2024-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
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2.21 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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b9a4ec94bc33170c9152f4fc738c0672
Author(s)
Murphy, Daniel T.
Advisor(s)
Whyte, Dennis G.
Roemer, Thomas
Date Issued
May 2024
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
To achieve commercial viability, Commonwealth Fusion System’s ARC device must maximize its availability to produce power, thus demanding a rapid maintenance process to replace radiation-damaged components. Designing robotic systems to
operate in this radiation environment requires understanding the expected radiation levels and how design decisions impact those levels. This thesis uses the Rigorous Two-Step (R2S) methodology to scope the radiation environment and provide data for those design trade-offs that must be considered in future ARC design iterations. The first trend is Vanadium’s lower dose rate than Eurofer as a Vacuum Vessel and Blanket
Tank material in all configurations, making it the preferred candidate from a radiation perspective. Second, the model indicates that the choice in Blanket Tank material contributes non-trivially to the maintenance radiation environment. Third, the trends demonstrate minimal additional reduction in radiation levels from delaying the start of maintenance beyond 14 days after fusion ceases. The final trend shows the reduction
in the radiation field from the removal of the Blanket Tank with the Vacuum Vessel warrants future study. Finally, this thesis incorporates historical nuclear robotics experience to establish an iterative process by which to develop robotic radiation
requirements and assess maintenance decision effects on ARC-level optimality.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Sloan School of Management
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