Nuclear performance assessment of ARIES-AT L.A. El-Guebaly * and the ARIES Team

The transition to a new ARIES design always involves a significant change in the engineering system with emphasis on high performance. Compared to ARIES-RS, numerous improvements were noted in ARIES-AT, ranging from physics improvements to a focus on advanced engineering for an economically and environmentally attractive source of energy. A key engineering aspect of ARIES-AT is its compactness and the high-conversion efficiency of the LiPb/SiC blanket that is capable of performing at high temperature. Certain features of the nuclear activity were focused on areas unique to ARIES-AT, including breeding potential of the LiPb/SiC blanket containing tungsten stabilizing shells, high-performance shielding components to protect the high-temperature superconducting magnet, and compact radial builds to minimize the volume of solid waste requiring geological burial. During the study, we closely monitored the key nuclear parameters and called for measures to enhance the engineering and physics aspects of the design. Optimization of components ’ constituents, characterization of the radiation environment, and meeting the ARIES-AT specific design needs were also given considerable attention. * Corresponding author 1