Experimental model studies for a fusion reactor blanket

Any fusion reactor in the near future will be based on the deuteriumtritium fusion reaction. Since tritium cannot be found in sufficient quantities in nature, it has to be bred from neutron induced reactions on lithium; this lithium will surround the plasma volume. In order to make inquiries into the involved cross sections, a cylindricallithium blanket model was constructed; in this model a graphite or beryllium layer can also be applied. For a simulation of the fusion neutron source a D-T neutron generator is used. The space dependent neutron spectra and the tritium production for this model are determined experimentally with the aid of activation techniquesand radiochemical methods, respectively ; they are also calculated with a Monte Carlo program, using the available cross section data. From a comparison of the results obtained conclusions are drawn for the accuracy of the available cross section data and the computer programs applied