Tantalum based neutron shield

Abstract

The neutron shielding comprises a first section comprising a tantalum containing material, and a second neutron absorbing section substantially devoid of tantalum. In use, the first section lies between the neutron source and the second section. The tantalum may preferably be present as a metal, ceramic, cermet, alloy, composite, tantalum carbide, or tantalum boride. The second neutron absorbing material may preferably be tungsten present as metal, ceramic, cermet, alloy, composite, tungsten carbide, or tungsten boride. In a preferred embodiment, coolant channels run between the two sections. The shielding material is used with fusion reactors. Figure 4