Dense Plasma Focus Neutron Source for Compact High Flux Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved technology to produce very high fluxes of neutrons with fast burst and steady-state intense neutron sources in compact devices, particularly for applications like non-destructive testing, neutron radiography, and materials irradiation, where existing solutions are inadequate in terms of neutron yield and stability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) device neutronically coupled with a subcritical or sub-prompt critical fission assembly, utilizing a deuterium-tritium gas mixture and a capacitor bank system to enhance neutron production, along with a gas-target neutron generator coupled with a fission assembly to achieve high neutron fluxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional neutron sources are used, then device size is reduced, but neutron flux and yield are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) device with a subcritical fission assembly into a hybrid neutron source system. The DPF device produces initial neutrons through fusion reactions, which then trigger fission reactions in the subcritical assembly, multiplying the neutron yield. This merging of fusion and fission mechanisms resolves the contradiction by achieving high neutron flux while maintaining a compact structure that wouldn't be possible with either mechanism alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by using a deuterium-tritium gas mixture in the DPF device and optimizing the subcriticality parameter (k-eff) of the fission assembly. By adjusting the fuel composition, pressure, and assembly geometry, the system achieves enhanced neutron multiplication while maintaining safety and compactness, thus resolving the contradiction between neutron yield and device complexity.
2Productivity
If neutron yield is increased, then application effectiveness is improved, but stability across varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through the subcritical fission assembly, where the neutron multiplication factor provides inherent stability. The subcritical design ensures that the system cannot run away, as the chain reaction automatically self-regulates based on neutron population density. This feedback mechanism allows high neutron yields while maintaining stability across varying fill gas pressures and operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the fission assembly, combining different fuel types and moderators to optimize both neutron yield and stability. The deuterium-tritium gas mixture in the DPF device serves as a composite fuel source, providing both high initial neutron production and stable operation across varying conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If compact device size is maintained, then portability is improved, but neutron flux intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension approach (either compact or high flux) to a multi-dimensional solution by combining two different neutron production mechanisms (fusion in DPF and fission in the subcritical assembly). This dimensional change in the problem-solving approach allows the system to achieve both compact size and high neutron flux simultaneously, as each mechanism compensates for the limitations of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the DPF device is positioned within or adjacent to the subcritical fission assembly, with the DPF acting as a neutron source for the fission assembly. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization and enables high neutron flux generation in a compact volume, resolving the contradiction between device size and neutron flux intensity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves neutron yields of up to 3.71x10^15 neutrons per pulse and maintains stability across varying fill gas pressures, enabling efficient non-destructive testing and other applications with enhanced neutron flux and energy spectrum control.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) device neutronically coupled with a subcritical or sub-prompt critical fission assembly, utilizing a deuterium-tritium gas mixture
Implementation Method 2
A system comprising a Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) device neutronically coupled with a subcritical or sub-prompt critical fission assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A first system for producing a high flux of neutrons for non-destructive testing includes a dense plasma focus device neutronically coupled to a subcritical or sub-prompt critical fission assembly. The dense plasma focus device is a source of initiating neutrons for the fission assembly, and the fission assembly is configured to multiply a number of the initiating neutrons via inducing fission. A second system for producing a high flux of neutrons includes a gas-target neutron generator neutronically coupled to a subcritical or sub-prompt critical fission assembly. The gas-target neutron generator is a source of initiating neutrons for the fission assembly, and the fission assembly is configured to multiply a number of the initiating neutrons via inducing fission.